Grounding (discipline technique)

Grounding is a general discipline technique which is used with children, in which one is forbidden to leave their place of residence, except for required activities, such as school, essential medical care, attending a place of worship, or visiting a non-custodial parent. During this time period, any positive reinforcement is revoked and other privileges, such as but not limited to using the Internet, playing video games or watching television, are revoked. The punishment may include having to do extra chores or schoolwork as well.
Grounding is used as an alternative to physical discipline, e.g., spanking, for behavior management in the home. According to a 2000 review on child outcomes, "Grounding has been replicated as a more effective disciplinary alternative than spanking with teenagers." Grounding can backfire if the type and duration of restrictions are disproportionately severe for the behavior meant to be corrected, or if the restrictions are too difficult for the parent to enforce due to resistance.
Origin.
This term was used initially in aviation: when a pilot is prevented from flying an aircraft due to misconduct, illness, technical issues with the aircraft, or other reasons, the pilot is "grounded" – that is, literally confined to the ground.