Child Abuse or Discipline

4/27/2019

In our wold today people have become too sensitive and get offended by everything. When are parents were in school the teachers were allowed to hit them with a wooden paddle if the teacher felt like they deserved it. Now a days if a teacher even looks at a kid wrong they could be in trouble.
If we look at the past generations our parent's age are law abiding good citizens. If we look at millennials or even some kids our age and younger, as kids they are not respectful and believe everything should be given to them. I know in our own school that most of the younger kids do not respect upperclassmen at all. A lot of parents now a days won't spank their kids because it's "child abuse" but is it just normal discipline. At day cares, schools, etc. people aren't allowed to discipline kids by spanking them because it may offend people. But in all honesty some kids need it. Although I don't think that hitting a kid on the butt with a wooden paddle may be the best idea maybe parents should start disciplining their kids.

Do you think spanking a child is considered child abuse? Are parents to gentle to their kids now or is it the right thing to do? Are sensitive parents creating misbehaving children?

39 Comments

Kelsey

4/28/2019 08:45:50 am

I don't think physical discipline is "child abuse." I was raised where if I was naughty I would have to put my nose in the corner, if I was continuously naughty I would have all my activities taken away, if I did something bad I would get spanked, and if I did something really bad I got the belt spanking. Frankly, I am disgusted with how spoiled and pampered kids are nowadays. Having respect for your teachers, parents, and elders is an important aspect of our culture that should be passed down to the upcoming generations. Otherwise, how will older people teach and show kids how to be good citizens if they can't control them or make them listen? It is seen especially with the younger millennials who are entering the workforce - they do not have the same work ethic and discipline that America has seen in previous generations. I hear about this from my parents and other adults that are hiring/working with younger adults. Parents and teachers do not have to spank children if that goes against their morals, yet they still need to discipline using other methods like taking away privileges.

Katherine

4/28/2019 04:54:10 pm

I am disgusted with how kids are treated these days too. They are so spoiled and pretty much get whatever they want. They are growing up with technology where they are seeing misbehaviors and thinking that those activities are okay. As a teen looking for jobs, I have noticed that people are hesitant to hire someone our age, They don't believe that we have the same ethic and discipline as they did. Our generation for the most part doesn't, and it makes those who do look bad.

Rachel

4/28/2019 06:11:38 pm

I agree that physical discipline is not "child abuse". I too was spanked as a child and it taught me respect and gave me an idea of what was right and wrong. I agree that many people our age have lost the respect that they should have for their elders and the lack on discipline in their childhood is a huge cause of that. Do you think that this will change is people can learn how to discipline their kids again?

Challis

4/28/2019 09:49:52 pm

You are so right. Kids these days are too spoiled. I was spanked as a child and am in no way traumatized from it.

Kenna

4/28/2019 09:56:11 pm

Kids these days have no respect. I absolutely hate it when people are not respectful to their teachers and parents. People seem to have no discipline.

Katherine

4/28/2019 04:51:48 pm

When I was really young, the main disciplining for me was getting spanked. It taught me a lesson and I wouldn't do whatever it was again. As I got older and it didn't have the same affect, then I would get grounded (no t.v., no friends, no activities). All of the forms of discipline that I got taught me respect. I think nowadays, people are too sensitive and don't want to hit their kids. I think that this creates issues because the kids are too spoiled and not taught lessons. I read an article the other day that said that pediatricians are now saying that spanking or hitting kids is bad. I think that hitting might be too far when it turns into abuse, but what the article said was that spanking and hitting creates a more aggressive child. I personally think that is b.s. Without discipline, how do kids become a better person?

Kelsey

4/28/2019 05:48:23 pm

I agree, it is annoying how rude little kids are. And, I definitely don't think spanking will cause aggressive behaviors. There is a point where hitting turns into abuse, but spanking is so effectual - we know from experience.

Rachel

4/28/2019 05:50:50 pm

I agree that discipline teaches respect and establishes morals. I would not be the person that I am today without getting a few spankings as a child. If pediatricians are saying that spankings are bad, do they have an alternate solution that is proven to work?

Sariah

4/28/2019 06:33:42 pm

I like that you brought up that it makes us a better person. I think this partially has to do with the fact that there are then negative consequences to our negative action. I also think it is a parents job to teach their kids these things because we, as people, should want to raise kids that better our society. We do not want disrespectful or spoiled brats in society.

Kenna

4/28/2019 09:58:43 pm

Parents need to know how to discipline their kids in a way that they will learn. If they have to spank their kids or ground them it is up to the parent's judgment.

Rachel

4/28/2019 05:48:10 pm

Physical discipline is helpful if handled correctly. I was spanked as a child if I did something wrong or was insubordinate. This taught me to have a respect for adults, and it also taught me what was right and wrong, helping me establish morals even as a child. I think that this type of discipline is healthy, but it definitely can be taken too far. There are parents who beat their children and use the cover of "discipline" to avoid the truth. These people are few and far between though and too many parents spoil their children now. They let them get away with things that we never would have as kids, because they are afraid to make their child sad or angry. Of course, we cannot judge various parenting methods too harshly because we are not yet parents. But, I feel that as a parent I would want to ensure that my kids have a healthy respect for adults and the rules, and if a spanking is what will teach them that, then that sort of discipline is worth it.

Sadie

4/28/2019 07:18:41 pm

One thing that does bother me though is children expected to respect their elders when they dont get near as much the respect in return. They are children and still have much to learn, but they are still a vital part of humanity and should be treated as such.

Jesse B.

4/28/2019 07:25:20 pm

Like you said, since we are not parents ourselves, we cannot push our judgments too harshly upon the adult world, but we can learn from their mistakes. I agree that with physical discipline there is a time and a place for it, but it all depends on what works for the child and how effective the message is. We are all sounding like old people in saying that kids are too soft these days and they have no respect. Do you think that this is a cycle with our culture; the old always thinking that the young are disrespectful and spoiled?

Conrad

4/28/2019 08:16:46 pm

I think that is one of the most important things that spanking teaches us as kids, the respect to have to adults and other peers. It really is important if used correctly.

Kelsey

4/28/2019 08:49:22 pm

Yes, I agree - I admire what you said about teaching kids morals at a young age. And, I guess none of us have experienced parenting yet, so we can't be too judgemental until we know how it feels to spank a child- it probably is hard. Most people are uncomfortable with disciplining, so maybe that's why it is losing its value.

Challis

4/28/2019 09:52:07 pm

Physical disipline is healthy as long as it is done correctly. If a child has bruises because of "disipline" the parents have taken it way too far. That is not okay.

Saiah

4/28/2019 06:28:59 pm

I believe that in our world today there is a lot of shaming given to parents who spank there child or forceful hold them in one place while they are screaming and hitting their parent. I think this has to do a lot with the fact that people started calling it child abuse and not discipline. I also think there is shaming to it because people are tying to tell other people how to raise their child. However it is hard because there are a lot of parents who abuse their children and it is in a permanently hurtful way or it is a thing that gets worse and worse. Discipline is controlled and is something you know will be hard enough to teach the child but not hard enough to bruise. Abuse is uncontrolled, I believe it comes when someone uses full force and anger on a child.
When it comes to whether I believe in psychical discipline I for sure do. I do not see anything wrong with a spank in the butt, flick to the shoulder, or pop to the mouth. I think it teaches a child that what they were doing was wrong and they will substain from doing the action again because of the short pain that comes. I think this also can help with back talking and rude behavior.

Jesse B.

4/28/2019 07:14:19 pm

I agree with the way you define abuse with it being uncontrolled. It is tough to be a parent because everybody has their own opinions about raising children, even if they have not raised any of their own. If you were my mom I would definitely listen to you because you are like that mom in church who would spank their kid who fell asleep during service. If physical discipline did not work on your child, what would be your alternative?

Saylor

4/28/2019 06:29:43 pm

I am a strong believer in rewarding children... If they deserve it. Yes, it is quite disgusting how spoiled some children are now a days. I think it is quite funny how our generation can see how some parents are going at parenting completely wrong. No child should be beat of course, but punishing a child by taking away something they have earned is a much better alternative because it teaches them that good behavior comes with better consequences. If a child does something wrong, taking away what they worked so hard to earn, hits them harder than a fist. Child Abuse is never an option. Taking away something meaningful works just as well, and even better I’m some cases.

Saiah

4/28/2019 06:38:26 pm

I can definitely agree that making a child be without what he or she wants for a time is an effective way to discipline as well. It actually is a very good way to discipline and I would and do usually revert to that when babysitting kids I watch all of the time. However sometimes I believe certain children react to different disciplines different ways.

Sadie

4/28/2019 07:14:12 pm

I agree. In my time, I'd much rather get a spanking than be grounded from Minecraft for three days. I cant imagine children today being any different about their priorities.

Jazz

4/28/2019 08:33:56 pm

I agree that rewards are just as important and effective as punishments when teach children.

Jesse B.

4/28/2019 07:05:12 pm

I can say that my life has been pretty nice over the last 18 years and it has not been inhibited by spanking whatsoever. Yes, I have been spanked multiple times, but that does not mean I deserve a medal. Being an only child, my parents taught me everything, including respect. There are times where I recall being a pain in butt for my folks and they disciplined me for it. From there, I grew up and learned from my mistakes. Discipline is an essential piece of a child’s development and if done right, can help the child grow into a valuable member of society. I am not saying that everyone should spank their children (it depends on the kid), but some form of discipline should be used by the parents because young people need to realize that there are consequences for their actions and older folks should be respected. In the case of teachers and other adults spanking my child, I would probably say no unless my wife or I gave the OK for the occasion, but still conduct discipline of some kind.

Brooke

4/28/2019 08:01:58 pm

I can relate to you! Being an only child has an entirely different method of discipline. The knowledge that there was no one else to blame for my wrongdoings definitely made me more wary of committing them.

Conrad

4/28/2019 08:19:03 pm

Looking back on it, I never understood how much being disciplined really helped. But know that I do, I see how it taught me respect, right and wrong, and what standards to have in life. I think that everyone should be spanked at one point in time.

Sadie

4/28/2019 07:09:11 pm

I definitely believe that some physical punishment is needed for a child who's done something really bad. Most of the time though verbal punishment works just fine. The troublemakers are the ones who are numb to the yelling and need a firm smack. For example, me. I was what my parents call "easy-going" and rarely got in that big of trouble. With a firm grip on the arm and some stern talking to, I was given my punishment. It was enough apparently because I was only spanked maybe three times in my childhood. So yes, if a strong, commanding voice with a death grip doesn't seem to work, then, by all means, spank that child. Many parents are too sensitive to actually do the right thing for their child.

Brooke

4/28/2019 08:05:28 pm

You're right, most of the time a verbal lashing scared me even more than the threat of a spanking. I believe there are many children out there who are becoming too spoiled or ignorant because parents are not willing to put their foot down.

Jazz

4/28/2019 08:36:17 pm

I was a huge problem child, and when the death stare was not enough, I do think that spanking was the right choice. I think that while the child might detest being any form of punishment in the moment, they will learn and grow from it.

Brooke

4/28/2019 07:53:34 pm

Yes, there is a definite line between borderline abuse and discipline. I would think most people would know how to differentiate the two, although sometimes the line can be blurred--it depends on the situation. With today's changing times, people's opinion on how to scold their children advances with them. Perhaps people are less inclined to be more harsh with them because they remember being young and having this happen to them--perhaps they do not want their child to be afraid of them, and to learn discipline in a new way. I'm not sure if that's the legit reason, but it's what I speculate. If I have children, I will discipline them how I see fit--but in a fair way.

Katherine

4/28/2019 08:08:30 pm

You have a good point about the children being scared of their parents, but wouldn’t that come from abuse? I’m not scared of my parents, it taught me respect for them. With everything changing in today’s society, this isn’t something that surprises me. But I’d you look back to even before our parents were kids wasn’t there spanking then? It’s been around long enough that it’s been shown to be effectual.

Conrad

4/28/2019 08:14:55 pm

Spanking a child does in no mean constitute as child abuse. I believe that child abuse is when actual physical or emotional or mental damage is made by parents, but what separates discipline and abuse is the intention. Parents who spank their child do not intend to hurt them, but rather teach them a lesson, not to intend harm but to emphasize their point. I think that it helps make children tougher, and most importantly, respect. Spanking teaches them that parents do know best and they should respect them. I have meet plenty of arrogant kids that I think could have been put in their place by a few spankings, nothing extreme, but a simple reminder of what their place in life is.

Mckinlee

4/29/2019 08:44:25 am

Do you think that there is an alternative to spanking for those parents that do not want to do it?

Saylor

4/29/2019 09:40:54 am

Yes there are always other alternatives to spanking a child. Spanking might start as a small punishment, but some people can’t control their anger. And it turns into something much more than just “spanking”.

Jazz

4/28/2019 08:32:14 pm

I think that discipline is needed for raising children. And spanking is a form of discipline, not child abuse. If your child has done something that needs to be taken care of then I think that you as a parent can do what you think is needed. If you have a child that learns from words, then reprimand them. If your child doesn’t, then spanking might be appropriate.

Kenna

4/28/2019 09:43:41 pm

Spanking a child is not child abuse. Discipline is needed these days and people don't seem to be doing it. Child abuse is when a parent or guardian harm their children physically and emotionally. Parents don't enjoy spanking their children but discipline is necessary. Children need to learn to behave and parents need to be able to do what they believe is necessary.

Challis

4/28/2019 09:47:32 pm

In no way is it okay to abuse a child but a spank on the butt with a hand is not going to traumatize them or have any lasting effects as long as it is not done too hard. The point of abuse would be if it was hard enough to leave bruises or marks. Although I do think it is okay I believe it should be a last resort. I learned in my psych class last year that it is much more effective to reward good behavior than to punish bad behavior. However, if the encouragement fails, a little extra discipline cannot hurt.

Mckinlee

4/29/2019 08:43:23 am

It is very important to Make a distinction between abuse and discipline and I think that wether or not it leaves a mark is a fair guide. How exactly should a parent reward good behavior? And what should they do with bad behavior?

McKinlee

4/29/2019 08:41:56 am

Of course child abuse is not okay, but there is a difference between spanking a child as discipline and abusing the child. I personally would not use physical means of discipline but as long as it is not excessive I would not scorn a parent if they chose to. As Challis mentioned there are better way to encourage good behavior but I understand that sometimes a more forceful discipline in required.

Saylor

4/29/2019 09:45:41 am

You make a good point, I perspnally could never spank my child, but it also isn’t “abuse”. I don’t think any form of aggression against a child is morally correct, but that’s my opinion. It’s a wrap ally preference on spanking a child for “discipline” but a child is not a dog that you spank when they bite a person. A child is a literal clone of yourself.

Child Abuse or Discipline

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