Golisano Children's Hospital / No Hit Zone

No Hit Zone

24-Hour Assistance

Call Mobile Crisis:
(585) 275-5151

What is a No Hit Zone?

This means that we do not allow hitting for any reason.

No child shall hit an adult.
No child shall hit another child.
No adult shall hit a child.
No adult shall hit another adult.

There are now No Hit Zones all over the United States and in multiple other countries. The world is recognizing that stopping violence begins with protecting children.

Visit the national NO Hit Zone website for more information.

We ask everyone who visits Golisano Children's Hospital to follow the No Hit Zone policy.

Why is Golisano Children's Hospital a No Hit Zone?

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We want Golisano Children's Hospital to be a safe place for everyone. We want it to be a non-violent space. The No Hit Zone policy is part of what we do to keep our patients and families safe. We know that physical punishment is harmful to children – to both their bodies and their minds. We also know that parents want what is best for their children. We want to provide information and support that can help families do what is best for them.

Together let's keep kids strong and healthy!

Did you know…

Hitting and spanking are types of physical punishment.
People think that physical punishment makes children behave better. Research shows that this is not true. Over time children who are hit or spanked tend to be aggressive and they become more disobedient. Hitting and spanking can make behavior worse.
Hitting or spanking teaches children to use violence to solve problems.
Children who are physically punished feel fear and shame and this makes it harder to concentrate. This may cause them to do worse in school.
Physical punishment has been linked to lawbreaking and criminal behavior.
Children who are physically punished often grow up to be adults with physical or mental health problems.
Children who are physically punished may not be able to trust other people. This may make it hard for them to build healthy relationships.
Parents who use physical punishment with their children are at risk of physically abusing their children.

Gershoff, ET. (2008) Report on physical punishment in the United States: What research tells us about its effects on children. Columbus, OH: Center for Effective Discipline.

Zolotor A, Theodore A, Chang J, Berkoff M, Runyan D, Speak softly – and forget the stick: Corporal Punishment and Child Physical Abuse. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2008;35(4): 364-369.

Help for Parents

You know best. You know your child, your family and your values. We are here to help.

Parenting in the Hospital

Bring a favorite toy or activity to help keep your child busy. It is normal for children to get bored when waiting.
Read to your child.
Talk to your child. Explain how you want them to behave and why.
Praise your child for good behaviors.
Teach your child how to manage conflict without using violence.
Set clear limits on your child's behaviors. Give clear instructions. Be specific. Be realistic.
Be good to yourself! Being a parent is hard work. Do something each day that you enjoy.
Ask for help. All parents need help and support.

Get More Help

Ask your local recreation center if they have parenting classes or family support groups. Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse about your family’s needs.

Local Agencies

Family Resource Center of Crestwood
At-home and center-based programs
(585) 436-0370, ext. 308
Mental Health Association Family Support Services
Supports families with children and teens who have special emotional or behavioral needs and works with families to help them feel safer, happier and healthier.
(585) 325-3145, ext., 117
Parenting Village
Offers ways for parents to connect with other parents for support.
(585) 270-1832

Other Sources of Help

Check out these websites using a computer at home or at your local library:

Thank you!

Our No Hit Zone was established to promote the health and well-being of families in the Rochester Community. A special thank you goes to the Dane County District Attorney’s Office and to the University of Louisville Kosair Children's Hospital Pediatric Department for lending their expertise in implementing this No Hit Zone.