Is corporal punishment towards children ever acceptable?

[ShyGuyInChicago]

Is corporal punishment towards children ever acceptable?
What is your take?
Is it a form of abuse?
Is it okay with in reason?
Does it teach discipline?
Does it teach that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems?
Does it cause people to behave violently/criminally?
Does it reduce crime?

[Amnesiac]

Is corporal punishment towards children ever acceptable? No.
What is your take? It's abusive and unnecessarily harsh. They're kids, not terrorists.
Is it a form of abuse? Yes.
Is it okay with in reason? No.
Does it teach discipline? No.
Does it teach that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems? Yes, and that can be extremely dangerous.
Does it cause people to behave violently/criminally? Possibly.
Does it reduce crime? There are no statistics showing that paddling children will reduce crime.

[Azunite]

Is corporal punishment towards children ever acceptable? NOO
What is your take? Violence against mindless folk is useless
Is it a form of abuse? yes
Is it okay with in reason? no
Does it teach discipline? no
Does it teach that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems? no
Does it cause people to behave violently/criminally? yes
Does it reduce crime? no

[Jess]

Is corporal punishment towards children ever acceptable? Never
What is your take? Evil. Harsh. Unnecessary
Is it a form of abuse? Yes
Is it okay with in reason? No
Does it teach discipline? No
Does it teach that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems? Nope.
Does it cause people to behave violently/criminally? Maybe
Does it reduce crime? No

[INFERNO]

Is corporal punishment towards children ever acceptable?

If the child is old enough and has done something severe but is so argumentative, perhaps one or two hits could make them literally come to sense. However, this should only be done infrequently and if it fails, then non-violent methods should be used.


What is your take?

In general, I'm against it. The only time I'd approve is if the child is old enough, understands why and is reserved for very severe, infrequent acts. The reason I take this stand is everyone whom I know whose parents/guardians/friends/family/strangers never laid a hand on them, can be very spoiled. Not always, sometimes they're very well-behaved, however, from what I've seen and grown up with, it's not that common.


Is it a form of abuse?

Definitely. The child does not want to be struck in a violent manner.


Is it okay with in reason?

Perhaps depending on the circumstances and frequency of usage. If it's done more and more frequently, then I support it less and less, especially if the behaviour isn't changed.


Does it teach discipline?

I wouldn't use the word teach. It may force the child with the risk of another hit. So no, doesn't teach it.


Does it teach that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems?

It may promote that. The more it's done, the more harmful and even with reason, it promotes violence as a solution.


Does it cause people to behave violently/criminally?

No. It contributes to people deciding to be violent and/or criminal, or more likely to have short tempers. However, it does not cause.


Does it reduce crime?

Depends on the type of crime but it is not the only factor, so it is hard to say.

[maestro15]

It should be only Used as a result of horrid actions. I find it to be okay yet, not okay
Is it a form of abuse-only if the punishment overrides the original action
Is it okay with in reason-yes as long as there is a feasible reasoning
Does it teach discipline-it creates fear in the child sooo YA
Does it teach that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems-nooope
Does it cause people to behave violently/criminally?- to their children. but not really
Does it reduce crime-most likely

[nick]

Is corporal punishment towards children ever acceptable?

Yes, I think its OK for parents to give a quick smack to little children as long as they dont use excessive force.

What is your take?

Its better to reason with the child and explain why whatever they were doing is wrong, but sometimes toddlers are hard to reason with or too young to understand. But their actions can still put them in danger and it may be necessary to show them that their behaviour is unacceptable for their own future protection.

Is it a form of abuse?

Not a quick, non-excessive smack, not in my opinion. When you start to use other objects, belts, slippers, whatever, on your child you have crossed the barrier into abuse.

Is it okay with in reason?

See above

Does it teach discipline?

Not sure that I understand that question. It teaches that actions can have consequences.

Does it teach that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems?

I dont really think so. Its clear that many of the guys on site here think that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems, I doubt if that's because they all have abusive parents. I was smacked as a kid and certainly dont think it teaches what you said - maybe its tought me the opposite.

Does it cause people to behave violently/criminally?

Do you mean the recipient of the punishment or the giver? If everyone that got smacked as a kid turned into a violent criminal then we really would be in trouble. Clearly the person administering the punishment may be acting violently and criminally depending upon what the law is where you live.

Does it reduce crime?

I can imagine a situation where it would reduce anti-social behaviour, its not going to have much effect on organised crime.

[karl]

I got knocked about a bit by my dad so I'm probably not the best person to ask if I think being whacked is acceptable. It's a bit like asking a murderer if he believes in hanging, so I can't see a rational answer here. Of course kids are going to be against it

[Ramiro]

Badly I can't answer all the questions because of my language. Thanking I of my brother have never being hit by my parents. I think it us wrong because I think every violence is wrong!!

[karl]

Badly I can't answer all the questions because of my language. Thanking I of my brother have never being hit by my parents. I think it us wrong because I think every violence is wrong!!

That's great Ramiro

[Perseus]

When it's reasonable, it is. Little kids aren't going to understand why some things are bad and will continue to do it, unless they know pain is accompanied with it. It worked for me. That and not wanting to disappoint my parents.

[Raptor22]

Is corporal punishment towards children ever acceptable? Yes
What is your take? Current parental methods dont work, and they do not prepare kids for life. Taking away their Ipod does not give the kid proper punishment. And besides it does not instill a sense of subordination...
Is it a form of abuse? Only after a certain extent.
Is it okay with in reason? Yes
Does it teach discipline? Yes
Does it teach that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems? Perhaps, however sometimes it is.
Does it cause people to behave violently/criminally? No
Does it reduce crime? Yes

[Amnesiac]

What is your take? Current parental methods dont work, and they do not prepare kids for life. Taking away their Ipod does not give the kid proper punishment. And besides it does not instill a sense of subordination...
Does it reduce crime? Yes

Parents are, nowadays, a little too lenient with their children. That doesn't mean we need to have dads hitting their kids again. Children also don't need a sense of "subordination" when around their parents, we don't want kids fearing their parents, that's not what parenting is supposed to be.

There is no evidence corporal punishment reduces crime. In dysfunctional households it would probably raise crime rates.

[Nexus]

Is corporal punishment towards children ever acceptable?
What is your take?
Is it a form of abuse?
Is it okay with in reason?
Does it teach discipline?
Does it teach that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems?
Does it cause people to behave violently/criminally?
Does it reduce crime?
My take is that it falls within the discretion of the parents. Personally, I don't agree with corporal punishment because I feel all it does is create more paddle happy parents. I've met people in their late teens, early 20's that still flinch when someone's waves by their face because of their parents hitting them as children. I've also seen people hit their kids because that's what their parents did to them and they feel some sort of obligation to follow the same kind of parenting guidelines.

There's some parents that feel the best way to get a message across is by commanding respect with an iron first (sometimes literally), and there's not much that we can do to change their ways of thinking. The only time I'll really make a fuss is when I see that they take it too far and manage to leave highly noticeable marks (breaks the skin, hand marks across the face).

Much like I said earlier, I believe it gives people reason to hit their own kids since they think their kids will respect them more as a result. Unfortunately fear=/=respect. I can't ever see myself dealing with my own children like that in the event that I actually have kids one day, but, I can only speak for myself.

[huginnmuninn]

if all else fails and they know what they are doing is wrong then i think that it would be ok. it would also have to be something important

[Raptor22]

Parents are, nowadays, a little too lenient with their children. That doesn't mean we need to have dads hitting their kids again. Children also don't need a sense of "subordination" when around their parents, we don't want kids fearing their parents, that's not what parenting is supposed to be.

There is no evidence corporal punishment reduces crime. In dysfunctional households it would probably raise crime rates.

I believe kids need to respect their parents before they can respect their parents...

Meaning that kids need to know who is in charge before they can actually begin to respect the person...

Leinient parents is a whole nother discussion. I know a girl whose punishment for breaking curfew (which is at 2AM I might add...) is her parents take her weed from her. Thats her punishment, they take her weed. The parents dont give it back however, they just smoke it themselves...

[Amnesiac]

I believe kids need to respect their parents before they can respect their parents...

Meaning that kids need to know who is in charge before they can actually begin to respect the person...

Any 5 year old or some kid of that age can be easily intimidated by an angry parent, violence doesn't have to be involved.

Leinient parents is a whole nother discussion. I know a girl whose punishment for breaking curfew (which is at 2AM I might add...) is her parents take her weed from her. Thats her punishment, they take her weed. The parents dont give it back however, they just smoke it themselves...

That's not just absolutely terrible parenting, it's illegal.

[Raptor22]

Any 5 year old or some kid of that age can be easily intimidated by an angry parent, violence doesn't have to be involved.



That's not just absolutely terrible parenting, it's illegal.

Not necessarily, parents are trying to be friends with their kids from a REAL early age...


And it is illegal, yet thats the new low that american parents have stooped down to...

[Amnesiac]

Not necessarily, parents are trying to be friends with their kids from a REAL early age...


And it is illegal, yet thats the new low that american parents have stooped down to...

Well parents and kids SHOULD have a happy, healthy relationship. It shouldn't just be yelling and hitting 24/7, kids need to learn that they can trust their parents with important problems throughout their childhood.

And I wouldn't say one family being irresponsible represents all american parents.

[Raptor22]

Well parents and kids SHOULD have a happy, healthy relationship. It shouldn't just be yelling and hitting 24/7, kids need to learn that they can trust their parents with important problems throughout their childhood.

And I wouldn't say one family being irresponsible represents all american parents.

Well, there has to be a balance. Of course corporal punishment is not suitable for every occasion nor is it suitable for most occasions. Children should be receptive to communication and reasonable discipline. However for things like talking back, disrespect, violence... corporal punishment is a good option. I received corporal punishment growing up (sometimes still do) and I have grown up mature and I have a great relationship with my parents. Its all about boundaries and moderation. :)

I will agree, but when the standard punishment has become having a phone or i(Device) taken away, the value of punishment has been lost.

[Amnesiac]

Well, there has to be a balance. Of course corporal punishment is not suitable for every occasion nor is it suitable for most occasions. Children should be receptive to communication and reasonable discipline. However for things like talking back, disrespect, violence... corporal punishment is a good option. I received corporal punishment growing up (sometimes still do) and I have grown up mature and I have a great relationship with my parents. Its all about boundaries and moderation. :)

I will agree, but when the standard punishment has become having a phone or i(Device) taken away, the value of punishment has been lost.

I still don't think corporal punishment is acceptable, even in more extreme cases. On one side you have adults, large and angry people (:P) and then you have children, small and emotionally weaker. With all the powers adults have over children, situations can be handled without hitting and slapping.

I wouldn't say taking iPods and stuff like that away is the "standard" punishment, nor do I think it works right.

[Raptor22]

I still don't think corporal punishment is acceptable, even in more extreme cases. On one side you have adults, large and angry people (:P) and then you have children, small and emotionally weaker. With all the powers adults have over children, situations can be handled without hitting and slapping.

I wouldn't say taking iPods and stuff like that away is the "standard" punishment, nor do I think it works right.

I think that corporal punishment shows kids that the parents mean business, and that there are very real and apparent consequences for misbehaving. It shows that the parents dont give in and that limits are not to be tested. Parents should be obeyed because they do not dick around...

[Amnesiac]

I think that corporal punishment shows kids that the parents mean business, and that there are very real and apparent consequences for misbehaving. It shows that the parents dont give in and that limits are not to be tested. Parents should be obeyed because they do not dick around...

That's the message parents are supposed to send to their kids when they're starting school and start to get yelled at. An angry parent is always intimidating at a young age.

[Raptor22]

That's the message parents are supposed to send to their kids when they're starting school and start to get yelled at. An angry parent is always intimidating at a young age.

Until they realize that its fun to test their parents, and that mommy gives in. Thats where parenting starts, and how parents raise their kids from that moment on affects the kids the rest of their lives...

[Amnesiac]

Until they realize that its fun to test their parents, and that mommy gives in. Thats where parenting starts, and how parents raise their kids from that moment on affects the kids the rest of their lives...

I've never heard of a mom "giving in", that's one weak parent if you ask me.

[Raptor22]

I've never heard of a mom "giving in", that's one weak parent if you ask me.

lol, it happens all the time:

"I want a cookie!"

"no"

"I want a cookie now!

"no"

"*cries* I WANT MY COOKIE! *cries*"

"Okay fine, *gives cookie*"

Parents need to grow some backbone...

[Amnesiac]

lol, it happens all the time:

"I want a cookie!"

"no"

"I want a cookie now!

"no"

"*cries* I WANT MY COOKIE! *cries*"

"Okay fine, *gives cookie*"

Parents need to grow some backbone...

Sounds like it's from a TV show, I haven't seen that in real life.

Besides, giving the kid a cookie is an innocent act in itself.

[Raptor22]

Sounds like it's from a TV show, I haven't seen that in real life.

Besides, giving the kid a cookie is an innocent act in itself.

Its happened in my life all the time, my mother did it with my younger siblings... I'm the oldest and they didnt do it with me.

If its a cookie, the mom should have said yes to begin with. Once she says now and then goes back on it, it shows the kid that they can control their parents and not the other way around...

[Amnesiac]

Its happened in my life all the time, my mother did it with my younger siblings... I'm the oldest and they didnt do it with me.

If its a cookie, the mom should have said yes to begin with. Once she says now and then goes back on it, it shows the kid that they can control their parents and not the other way around...

eh, I think you're looking a bit too deep into it. Most normal kids aren't that manipulative.

[Sith Lord 13]

eh, I think you're looking a bit too deep into it. Most normal kids aren't that manipulative.

Gotta say, IME, they are. Hell, if anything, they're often worse.

[Perseus]

eh, I think you're looking a bit too deep into it. Most normal kids aren't that manipulative.

He's not really. Once the kid sees he/she can get his way by crying and screaming, they'll do it. The best way to handle a situation like that is to ignore it, though.

[Amnesiac]

He's not really. Once the kid sees he/she can get his way by crying and screaming, they'll do it. The best way to handle a situation like that is to ignore it, though.

Gotta say, IME, they are. Hell, if anything, they're often worse.

Well, through my experience I've never encountered a kid like that. But then again, maybe I haven't been paying attention.

Parents do have to stop giving in to crying and screaming. It's as simple as saying no, I still don't see why corporal punishment has to be introduced.

[Raptor22]

Well, through my experience I've never encountered a kid like that. But then again, maybe I haven't been paying attention.

Parents do have to stop giving in to crying and screaming. It's as simple as saying no, I still don't see why corporal punishment has to be introduced.

I think if the kid is in a complete tantrum, sometimes a little dose of instant reality can go a long way.

If you have ever seen shows on TV like Nanny 911 or Supernanny or I think there are a couple more ( :rolleyes: ) there are alot of kids that are much much worse...

[Amnesiac]

I think if the kid is in a complete tantrum, sometimes a little dose of instant reality can go a long way.

If you have ever seen shows on TV like Nanny 911 or Supernanny or I think there are a couple more ( :rolleyes: ) there are alot of kids that are much much worse...

In reality, when you're angry with someone you don't hit them, you just isolate them. Make them think about what they've done.

The same should apply to kids.

[Raptor22]

In reality, when you're angry with someone you don't hit them, you just isolate them. Make them think about what they've done.

The same should apply to kids.

True, which is what they do on those TV shows...

[The Dark Lord]

Is corporal punishment towards children ever acceptable? No
What is your take? it is wrong and unjustifable
Is it a form of abuse? yes
Is it okay with in reason? no
Does it teach discipline? no
Does it teach that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems? no
Does it cause people to behave violently/criminally? yes
Does it reduce crime? no

I think that corporal punishment shows kids that the parents mean business, and that there are very real and apparent consequences for misbehaving. It shows that the parents dont give in and that limits are not to be tested. Parents should be obeyed because they do not dick around...

The argument that parents should hit children as that is the only thing that children can understand is moronic. Presumably this principle should also be applied to tourists as they don't speak english.

[Amnesiac]

True, which is what they do on those TV shows...

Yes... I don't see any problem with that.

[Raptor22]

The argument that parents should hit children as that is the only thing that children can understand is moronic. Presumably this principle should also be applied to tourists as they don't speak english.

Yes... I don't see any problem with that.

Me niether, however,

If you tell the children to do something (like go sit in the corner or whatever punishment), but the child lashes out violently or throws tantrum, how would you suggest bringing the child back under control?

[Amnesiac]

Me niether, however,

If you tell the children to do something (like go sit in the corner or whatever punishment), but the child lashes out violently or throws tantrum, how would you suggest bringing the child back under control?

Restraining them. Hitting does not equal restraining.

[The Joker]

I think spanking will do the trick.