Non-abusive Spanking Can Be Effective
Posted by: chocoholic in AP Language Assignments, tags: spankingThe debate over whether or not to use corporal punishment on children has been raging for several years. Supporters believe that spanking is the only way to get a message across to a disruptive child, while opponents believe that spanking is abusive and harmful to a child later in life. What most people fail to realize is that spanking is not abusive when used in moderation in a controlled, non-violent manner.
In New Zealand researchers from the Dunedin multidisciplinary health and development studied the differences in the behaviors of children who were “smacked lightly with an open hand on the bottom, hand or leg” and those who were punished by other methods of corporal punishment. These children ranked “similar [to] or even slightly better” than children who had never received corporal punishment in areas such as “aggression, substance abuse, adult convictions and school achievement” (New Zealand Press Association). Being one of the first studies to differentiate between different methods of corporal punishment, this study proves the benefits of spanking in contrast to hitting, beating, or abusing children. Not only can a misuse of spanking harm children, an overuse of spanking can also be harmful. Paul Preston, who has an advanced degree in psychology, says that children can “become immune” to spanking “if spanking is used for every misbehavior” (Preston). To achieve the most effect, parents should only spank their children for dangerous behavior or when other methods have failed, in other words in moderation.
Spanking can be an effective method of discipline when used properly. Moderation and correct application of force can determine the effectiveness of the punishment and whether or not a child will have problems related to spanking later in life.
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February 18th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Good argument. You’ve done an excellent job integrating source info.