Grounding (punishment)

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Grounding is a common punishment for children or teenagers. In some cases it is suggested as an alternative to corporal punishment in the home. Typically a young person who is grounded is forbidden from leaving the home or their room, except for attending meals, school, and other necessary activities. Occasionally it can be combined with the withdrawal of privileges such as the use of television, telephone, video games, 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 home.)

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

If grounding is necessary, it is reccomended for a period less than or equal to 1 weeks. Grounding for over one week is generally proven to be ineffective and psychologically unhelpful to the child.

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