Grounding (punishment)

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Grounding is a common punishment for children and teenagers. In some cases it is suggested as an alternative to corporal punishment in the home. Typically a young person who is grounded is not allowed to leave their home or their bedroom, except to attend school, work, meals, church, homework, dentist or doctor appointments and other important activities. Occasionally it can be combined with the withdrawal of privileges such as the use of television, telephone, video games, mobile phones, alarm clocks, watches, Easy buttons, cars, sweets, iPods, yearbooks or the Internet. The effectiveness of the punishment in obtaining the desired discipline varies. Many people who get grounded "cheat" by using privileges that were supposed to be forbidden. (This is common when the parents are not at home.)

Although it is sometimes used as an alternative to corporal punishment, its effectiveness is questioned.[citation needed] More often than not, grounding teaches children to evade their parents or guardians and not get caught[citation needed], rather than correcting the behaviour[citation needed]. As a result, grounding can turn children into liars[citation needed], or in fact make their behaviour worse[citation needed]. Other times, it can help by showing children not to commit the act again for fear of losing their "much-needed" privileges[citation needed]; said again, this rarely happens.[citation needed]

If grounding is necessary, it is recommended for a period less than or equal to one week.[citation needed] Grounding for over one week is generally proven to be ineffective and psychologically unhelpful to the child.[citation needed]

References to invocation of grounding is common in popular culture, and is often demonstrated in television shows.