Spanking a Child and Child Abuse - 1076 Words

Spanking a child is not against the law in most places. However, parents who use it in their homes are being accused of child abuse. The Chicago Tribune published an article that urged readers to report child abuse when they become aware of it. In the article â€Å"Child abuse in plain View† the author describes spanking as a type of abuse that happens behind closed doors (â€Å"Child abuse in plain View†). Like most critics of corporal punishment, the author is trying to link spanking to abuse. The author`s concern about abuse is a valid one. Abuse should be reported immediately. However, any attempt to define spanking as abuse is wrong. Spanking a child is not abuse. It is an effective way of discipline that helps guide the child into becoming a†¦show more content†¦The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents do not spank their children at all. They think that time-out and removal of privileges is better than corporal punishment (â€Å"C hild Abuse in Plain View†). The AAP should know that balance is the key when it comes to discipline. Incorrectly using any form of discipline can have negative effects. Placing a child in time-out too much may cause the child to become withdrawn. Constantly yelling at a child could cause a child to feel angry or depressed. Spanking a child for every mishap could cause a child to be fearful of making a mistake. The bottom line is that every child is different. What works for one child may not work for the other. Some children respond well to time-out. For some, a spanking may the best way to correct unwanted behavior. Parents should decide what is best for the child, at that moment. Parents should also decide whether the child’s behavior is a direct challenge of authority, when deciding which discipline method to use (Dobson 29). A child who decides to be an artist for the day and draws on the wall is not being defiant. On the other hand, a child who continues to draw on the wall after being warned not to, several times is being defiant. A child who does not clean up his room should not be disciplined the same as a child who curses his parents. Corporal punishment may be the best solution for deliberate disrespect. It will immediately cause a child to re-think hisShow MoreRelatedSpanking Verses Child Abuse2039 Words   |  9 PagesSpanking Verses Child Abuse 1 Spanking Verses Child Abuse The Effectiveness of Loving Discipline Western International University COM 110 Effective Persuasive Writing David Scharn October 16, 2005 Spanking Verses Child Abuse 2 The common misconception that spanking is a form of child abuse affects the proper discipline of todays youth. Some parents are actually afraid to discipline their own childrenRead More Disciplinary Spanking Is Not Child Abuse Essay1649 Words   |  7 PagesChild abuse is an issue within society that effects the lives of not only the victims but also the lives of many people in the social order. Child abuse is any mistreatment or neglect of a child that results in non-accidental injury or harm and which cannot be logically explained. There are several forms of abuse and neglect and many state governments have developed their own legal description of what constitutes child maltreatment for the purposes of removing a child and prosecuting a criminalRead MorePhysical Discipline with Children1100 Words   |  4 PagesSpanking a child is not against the law in most places. However, parents who use it in their homes are being accused of child abuse. The Chicago Tribune published an arti cle that urged readers to report child abuse when they become aware of it. In the article â€Å"Child abuse in plain View† the author describes spanking as a type of abuse that happens behind closed doors (â€Å"Child abuse in plain View†). Like most critics of corporal punishment, the author is trying to link spanking to abuse. The author`sRead MoreWhen Does Discipline Cross the Line to Child Abuse?1486 Words   |  6 PagesCross the Line to Child Abuse? In this report, I concentrated my research on the fine line between physical discipline and child abuse, with emphasis on spanking vs. not spanking and its effects on children. Included are research from statistics, opposing views and arguments, advocates’ and Department of Children and Families’ position. The use of corporal punishment, or spanking, as a form of parental discipline is a controversial topic. Adults who remember being spanking by a parent for misbehavingRead MoreThe Effects Of Spaking And Child Abuse866 Words   |  4 Pageschildren. 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Spanking is not the only method of child discipline. Spanking is not even the most effectiveRead MoreParents and Physical Punishment1052 Words   |  5 Pagesbeing punished, parents more often than not resort to spanking their child(ren). That being said, many parents will readily agree that spanking a child should not be considered a form of child abuse. However, the question still stands: how far does the spanking have to go in order for it to be considered child abuse? Although some are convinced that there are better ways to discipline a child, there are others that maintain the idea that spanking is the best option for disciplinary action. ThereRead MoreThe Spanking Issue: the Ethical Dilemma of Corporal Punishment1526 Words   |  7 PagesThe Spanking Issue: The Ethical Dilemma of Corporal Punishment This issue of corporal punishment is a current issue that many people have on their minds. 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Child abuse is anything that emotionally or physically endangers/impairs a child’s well-being, whereas discipline is correcting a behavior in a manner that helps the child’s growthRead MorePersuasive Essay : Spanking A Child1236 Words   |  5 Pages Spanking a child in today’s society is a common misconception, that is seen as either discipline, or abuse. It seems that there’s a less number of parents that are against and even afraid to spank their children, than those who believe it’s an effective way of discipline. As a child, alongsides with my sister, we were spanked when misbehaved, making me believe that it’s okay to discipline your child. With the correct intention in mind, spanking shouldn’t be harmful towards the child and should be