WHO parenting guidelines: nonviolent care and stronger relationships
WHO guidelines on parenting interventions to prevent maltreatment and enhance parent–child relationships with children aged 0–17 years
1What parents should know
Guidance on structured parenting interventions to reduce maltreatment and harsh parenting, strengthen parent–child relationships, and prevent emotional and behavioural problems.
2What question it helps with
What distinguishes evidence-based parenting support from a collection of discipline tips?
3Who it is for
The guideline covers caregivers of children aged 0–17. It is principally for programme and service decision-makers; families can use it to understand and ask about support.
4How it relates to this stage
The full age range is covered, but a programme for a toddler is not automatically appropriate for a teenager. Check the intervention’s own population and delivery conditions.
5Reading notes
Our summary and paraphrase. Read alongside the source.- Parenting support aims to reduce violence and improve relationships, not simply secure obedience.
- Programmes have structured content and delivery conditions.
- Parent and child mental health are part of the intended outcomes.
6How to use this resource
- Use the guideline as a reference when choosing a parenting-support programme.
- Ask a provider which ages the programme covers, how staff are trained and what support is available.
- Explore the linked PLH resource for examples of materials, keeping its training conditions in mind.
7Limits and things to keep in mind
This does not establish that every positive-parenting tip works, or that reading guidance equals taking part in an evaluated programme. It does not replace safeguarding or mental-health services.
8Sources and check record
Verified the official 10 February 2023 publication record, its overview and evidence-annex link. No independent reassessment of recommendation certainty was performed.
Access and use: WHO provides a free publication and evidence annex. Availability does not automatically authorise translating or reproducing all programme materials.
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