Play Nicely Program in the prevention of violence against children: strengthening sustainable development

Abstract

Objective: to understand the perception of teachers and health professionals regarding the use of the Play Nicely Program for parents/caregivers in the prevention of violence against children. Method: a descriptive and exploratory qualitative study was conducted through three focus groups with twenty primary school teachers and primary health care professionals who implemented the Program for parents/caregivers in 2022. The data analysis was guided by French discourse analysis, interpreted through the lens of Urie Bronfenbrenner’s theory. Results: three categories emerged from the participants’ perceptions: innovation and utility; theory applicability in practice; reinterpreting attitudes of austerity and impatience towards children; disciplining rather than punishing children: dilemmas and challenges. The testimonies highlighted that the Program is innovative, easily accessible, clear in language, and easy to apply in practice for parents/caregivers. Conclusion: the use of the Program added knowledge and fostered positive attitudes toward the development of the bioecological system in addressing and preventing violence against children.

Keywords

• Child Welfare
• Child Abuse
• Parenting
• Child Rearing
• Primary Health Care
• Sustainable Development