Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the society must confront some negative cultural practices that reinforce violence.

Speaking against the background of a video of a mother beating her child with a machete, he says some practices are not acceptable.

The woman from St Thomas has been charged with cruelty to a child and is to face the court next Monday October 9.

Mr. Holness who commented on the issue today (Oct 6) says he also understands the frustration some parents experience.

The Prime Minister however says the mother in question, needs to be supported, but indicates she should be held accountable for her actions.

Mr. Holness highlights other cultural practices, saying some are reprehensible and reinforce violence.

Meantime, the Prime Minister is urging parents who need help, to seek the support of institutions such as the national parenting support commission.

Andrew Holness says the commission was designed to assist parents in crisis and to spread information about alternative ways of parenting.

Mr. Holness who was commenting on the beating of a child by her mother with a machete, underscores that corporal punishment is not good for the society.

The Prime Minister says he made a commitment in parliament to ban corporal punishment in all schools and it’s a commitment which still stands.

He states that the society cannot continue to teach children that the way to resolve conflict is with the use of violence.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony at the St. Ann’s Bay hospital in St. Ann today for the expanded operating theatre, renovated male surgical ward and the handing over of an ambulance.