Spanking can in effect be a form of abuse. Children should only be spanked with your hand, belt, paddle, or similar item. Opponents of spanking state that spanking is done out of anger and that the kids never learn a lesson from spanking. Opponents argue "that spanking sends the message to kids that it is ok for a person to strike a smaller person" (Andero and Stewart). There is some truth to this message. When a parent spanks their child out of anger or frustration then it does send the wrong message to the child.
When a parent makes the decision to spank a child, it should be done out of love. The goal is not to cause pain, but to teach the child a lesson. Spanking should not be the first option. If a child goes into the street, the dangers should be explained to the child. If the child goes into the street again, the he or she should receive a spanking. This will teach the child to listen to you and he will not go into the street again. A spanking should only be a few strikes on the buttocks. It should never be only any other part of the body. With the exception of one light tap on the hand. This teaches a child not to touch an item, such as the stove. There is also the discussion at what age should paddling began. This really depends on the child, parents, and the level of discipline needed. No child under the age of two should receive a spanking. Children at this age do not have the mental capacity to understand what is going on. As a child get older and they mature mentally, then a spanking is ok.
A spanking should also be a last resort.