Brazil study finds widespread child violence despite strong support for dialogue

A survey commissioned by the Instituto Infinis and carried out by research firm Quaest interviewed about 2.2 million Brazilian adults between May and June 2026. The study revealed that while roughly 90 % of respondents consider dialogue the best way to educate children, a majority admit to using violent methods: 62 % have shouted at a child, 49 % have slapped, and 27 % have struck with objects.

Official records show 115,814 reports of child and adolescent rights violations in the first four months of 2026, and Brazil has an estimated 55 million people under 18. The survey also found that 65 % of adults experienced physical aggression in their own childhood, indicating an intergenerational cycle of violence. About two‑thirds of respondents said they would not intervene if they witnessed violence against a child, and 71 % could not name any child‑protection laws.

The researchers noted a slight decline in the use of objects compared with the 2023 edition, but overall violent practices remain common. “Understanding these perceptions is essential to break the intergenerational cycle of violence and guide public prevention policies,” said Márcia Kalvon, executive director of Infinis. Extreme cases, such as a father filmed kicking his three‑year‑old daughter in Paraná, have heightened public attention to the issue.