Should Spanking Be Illegal?
2007-11-28
By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div
Good Morning America featured a story about a movement in Massachusetts to ban spanking. The law is being considered today by Massachusetts lawmakers. Kathleen Wolf, a nurse, is the initiator of the proposed law. She believes that spanking is a form of domestic violence and should be banned. If passed this would make Massachusetts the first state to pass a ban on spanking by parents. However 29 states prohibit schools from spanking children. Currently spanking is banned in 19 countries. Wolf does not believe that parents should be jailed or fined for spanking.
Spanking is not the only form of discipline that has been criticized in recent years. In the state of Florida it is considered child abuse to make a child stand facing a wall. Apparently, it causes the child to feel isolated and humiliated. There are some “experts” who believe that both spanking and standing in a corner or facing a wall causes permanent damage to children. Growing up I had my share of spankings and in kindergarten I even had my own corner. I have suffered no-long term damages from either form of punishment. However, I did learn to respect my elders, follow rules, work hard, and that there are consequences for my actions.
There is a difference between punishment and discipline. Merriam-Webster On-line Defines punishment as: “to impose a penalty on for a fault, offense, or violation”(1). The purpose of punishment is to stop the future occurrence of undesirable behaviors. According to Merriam-Webster On-line discipline is “training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character”. Discipline is derived from the Latin word disciplina meaning teaching or learning. The purpose of discipline is to correct behavior through instruction. While a punishment may be imposed as a consequence, there is also an explanation of why the consequence is imposed. Punishment without instruction will not really change behavior. In my opinion the most important aspect of discipline is instruction. Children need to be taught what behavior is acceptable. Simply whacking a child for breaking the rules does not achieve this goal.
Do I think spanking should be banned? No. A ban on spanking will not end child abuse. Parenting classes and support for abusive parents would be more effective.
Notes
- Merriam-Webster Online, “Punishing” [Available on-line: http://m-w.com/dictionary/punishing, last accessed 28 November 2007.]
- Merriam-Webster Online, “Discipline” [Available on-line: http://m-w.com/dictionary/discipline, last accessed 28 November 2007.]
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