Preview

Corporal Punishment in Children; Right or Wrong

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
2663 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Corporal Punishment in Children; Right or Wrong
{text:bookmark-start} Corporal Punishment with Children: Right or Wrong {text:bookmark-end} ? How properly to discipline a child is an age old question. Countless numbers of parents have had to make this decision. Many of these parents were raised in homes that used spanking as the main form of discipline. Most people can readily recount each time he, or she received a spanking for an offense, and even remember what kind of instrument was used to inflict the punishment. Whether it was a belt, a switch, a hand, or a paddle, this form of punishment always left a lasting impression. For centuries spanking has been the main form of punishment used by parents to correct bad behavior in their children. Only recently has this age old standard been questioned. More attention is being paid to a child’s welfare, and rightly so. More studies are being conducted on the effects of punishment styles and how those effects shape a child. So, how does one properly discipline a child, with the intent being correction not harm? There are many choices that can be made. What exactly is corporal punishment? Corporal punishment is a discipline method in which a supervising adult deliberately inflicts pain upon a child in response to a child’s unacceptable behavior and/or inappropriate language. The immediate aims of such punishment are usually to halt the offense, prevent its recurrence, and set an example for others. The purported long-term goal is to change the child’s behavior and to make it more consistent with the adult’s expectation. (Dayton, 1994) Each parent must make the decision early if he, or she, will spank and when it should be applied. The parents must also decide what kind of instrument will be used to inflict the punishment. Some choices are switches, belts, paddles, yardsticks, a hand, and even a fly-swatter can be used. The parent must then stick to that policy, keeping in mind that the main goal of punishment should be to correct bad behavior. Parents must not be


References: Abedon, E.P. (Nov. 2003) Parents magazine, Meredith Corporation http://www.parents.com/parents/printableStory.jsp?storyid=templatedata/parents/story/d This is a Web site that I found to be very down-to-earth. It had a lot of information that a parent/guardian could find very useful. It provides links and lists of articles on a variety of parenting topics. Andero, A.A. and Stewart, A. (June 2002) Issue of Corporal Punishment: Re-Examined, Journal of Instructional Psychology; Vol. 29 Issue 2, p90, 7p http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/ehost/delivery?vid=5&hid=17&sid= This Web site offered new insight into an old study and found some discrepancies in that study. This opened up a window of opportunity for the proponents of spanking to get some proof for their side of the argument. Dayton, JJ.D. (1994) Corporal Punishment in Public Schools: The Legal and Political Battle Continues. Education Law Reporter, 89, 729-40. http://web.ebscohost.comezproxy.apollolibrary.com/ehost/delivery?vid=5&hid=17&sid This is part of the research paper that is provided by one of the main references used in this paper. It offered the description of corporal punishment. Dobson,J. (1994) Dare to Discipline. Toronto: Bantam Books. http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/ehost/delivery?vid=5&hid=17&sid This is a book written by Dr. James Dobson that offers parents the practical advice needed in order to discipline children according to biblical values. O’Boyle, B. Ph.D. (Nov. 2008), Corporal Punishment: Physical, Psychological, and Cognitive Effect for Children http://alpha.fud.edu/psychology/corporal_punishment.htm This is a paper that shows the effects of spanking on children in the home and in schools that leans heavily against the practice of corporal punishment. Larzelere, R.E., Ph.D. (June 2002) Combining Love and Limits in Authoritative Parenting: A Conditional Sequence Model of Disciplinary Responses http://parenthood.library.wisc.edu/Larzelere/Larzelere.html This paper includes a lot of data on the subject of corporal punishment and offers a balance of pro and con information on the topic. There are several references to be found for further study.
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Response to Bell Hooks
    • 1022 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Response to Bell Hooks

    Simple physical punishments; such as pinching, flicking, and spanking, are carried out on us at a very young age, and all throughout life. Our parents are here to discipline us, to teach us the difference of right and wrong. When we first misbehave, our parents might tell us to “knock it off” or “stop” and they may raise their voice when asserting these commands. We sometimes stop when told to, but sometimes we ignore their commands and keep misbehaving repeatedly. This is where physical punishment comes into play. A form of physical punishment would and will be carried out on us. At first it may be a simple punishment, but gradually the punishments intensify. Once a punishment has been carried out, many of us become cloaked in fear of punishment and from this fear we learn not to do that mistake again. Simple punishment is used for the good of children and to discipline them, “Dr. David Safir, father of five and grandfather of five, CNN asked him to talk to us about his views on spanking. He said he was spanked as a child, spanked his own children when necessary and believes the occasional use of physical punishment -- not abuse -- can be an effective tool for parents” (Zeidler) If these simple punishments are executed out…

    • 1022 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Pros And Cons Of Spanking
    • 1142 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The Pros And Cons Of Spanking

    Spanking is a form of corporal punishment that is commonly used to discipline children all around the world. This form of punishment typically consists of an adult striking the child’s bottom or hand as a reaction to unwanted behavior. There are many arguments that are made on whether a child should be spanked or not, many people tend to believe it’s fair while other believe it’s simply wrong. Those who do not believe in spanking say spanking is a form of child abuse. That it shows children the idea of violence at a young age. So the question is whether spanking will cause the child to be a violent individual, if spanking will harm children mentally and physically, and if it’s a harm to their health and development later on in life.…

    • 1142 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    When Spanking Your Child Was Legal
    • 1301 Words
    • 6 Pages

    When Spanking Your Child Was Legal

    Corporal punishment is lawful and acceptable as long as it is done for the reason of correction or for discipline. It is considered reasonable as long as the child is at an appropriate age and the method used is acceptable, and the child is able to understand the punishment. For spanking to be effective it should be painful, this ensures that the child will not repeat the behavior they were earlier corrected for. Some parents justify spanking their children as a necessary means to modify a child’s behavior. For example, if your child required a shot from the doctor due to necessary treatment, chances are the child will cry upon receiving the shot. However, this is required to help the child. Some feel that spanking is the same way; and a necessary evil to help the child it is intended to cause pain, and to modify behavior.…

    • 1301 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Neurobiological Case Study: Mrs. B
    • 1801 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Neurobiological Case Study: Mrs. B

    A parent may use corporal punishment on his or her child in order to teach the child to be a specific way that would increase the child’s success and ability to survive (therefore increasing competitive advantage and chances for natural selection). Usually parents desire the success of their children and will try to teach and shape them in a way that will make them more competitive…

    • 1801 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Spanking: Borderline Child Abuse
    • 696 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Spanking: Borderline Child Abuse

    Few parents agree that corporal punishment is a type of child abuse. When used properly and in the correct circumstances, spanking can be an effective form of punishment. A spanking that is received when a parent is calm, rather than when the parent is angry and quick to action is more controlled and stable (Spank or Not to Spank). Verbal punishment can be more harmful than physical ones. Being verbally assaulted can cause self-esteem or emotional issues (When Parents Lift Their Hands). Frequent uses of verbal punishments can become ineffective and hurtful as it can attack a child’s sense of pride and…

    • 696 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Writing Assignment #4
    • 1712 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Writing Assignment #4

    “Corporal punishment remains a widely used discipline technique in most American families, but it has also been a subject of controversy within the child development and psychological communities.” (Gershoff) Corporal punishment is not only spanking your child but it is the effects that hitting your child can have. Studies have shown multiple outcomes of corporal punishment, some which have not resulted to be positive. There is so much behind disciplining a child stemming from emotions, force, and frequency. A child should not be disciplined to the severity where it will in turn affect them for the rest of their lives. Corporal punishment is severely damaging physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially to children and should not be allowed in any home.…

    • 1712 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Spanking Children
    • 2666 Words
    • 11 Pages

    Spanking Children

    Is corporal punishment an effective way of disciplining children? Corporal punishment is a violation inflicted on children, teachers, and others in names of “discipline” which is experienced by a large majority of children in many states worldwide. In the United States, there are laws protecting children from physical abuse, including at school and home; nevertheless, most American parents think spanking is an appropriate method of discipline for children. There are some countries that have passed anti-spanking laws such as Germany, Sweden, and others, but other countries do not have any support against spanking. Spanking children can leave physical scars, affect mental problems, and be ineffective in that children do not understand which is…

    • 2666 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Prw Paper
    • 838 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Prw Paper

    Accumulated research supports the theory that corporal punishment is an ineffective discipline strategy with children of all ages and, furthermore, that it is often dangerous. Corporal punishment most often produces in its victims anger, resentment, and low self-esteem. It teaches violence and revenge as solutions to problems, and perpetuates itself, as children imitate what they see adults doing. Research substantiates the following consequences of corporal punishment:…

    • 838 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Corporal Punishment To Discipline America's Children
    • 2682 Words
    • 11 Pages

    Corporal Punishment To Discipline America's Children

    Currently, the use of corporal punishment as a form of discipline at home is legal in the United States. This paper will look at the use of corporal punishment on American children and recognize alternative discipline techniques. As it has become a topic of heated social and political debates in recent years, spanking children is thought to have an effect on a child’s life whether it is positive or negative. This paper will analyze, describe and compare some pros and cons of using corporal punishment and other techniques.…

    • 2682 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Spanking Is Bad For Children
    • 2376 Words
    • 10 Pages

    Spanking Is Bad For Children

    Most people grew up being spanked and they turned out alright so it seems like a good way to teach children right and wrong. However, spanking can be very bad for a child's development, it can teach them unwanted behavior and children shut down when they are being spanked. It can difficult to teach a child purely from spank, and there are other methods that parents can look into to teach a child. There is also evidence that shows that a child should not be physically punished and that there are other methods to teach a child what is right and what is wrong.…

    • 2376 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Corporal Punishment Is Wrong
    • 283 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Corporal Punishment Is Wrong

    After reading the article “hitting bottom: why America should outlaw spanking” (Emily bazelon) we find many reasons why outlawing spanking is a priority. The article seams to push the subject of corporal punishment into other areas that make the articles argument seam light. I believed that outlawing spanking would be a big mistake. It gets too much into how someone is to raise their child and no one wants the government to tell them how…

    • 283 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Don't Spank Me
    • 1029 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Don't Spank Me

    Physical discipline is a terrible way to punish a child. Children are made to make mistakes; they do not know when they do wrong. Parents must teach them right from wrong. It is hard for children under the age of two to comprehend what they did wrong. Physically punishing them will make no sense because they will not know why they are being hit. Corporal punishment is inhumane. America no longer permits hitting of servants, apprentices, wives, prisoners, and members of the armed forces. If America has these restrictions against violence, then it should not be okay to hit children. Spanking is a violation to a child’s human rights. They are not old enough to understand and speak out to protect themselves, which makes certain cases of physical punishment unfair. Behaviorist B.F. Skinner, who pioneered in the study of behavior control using punishments and rewards, said “I found that aversive measures may lead, not to obedience, but to escape or aggression” (ASFAR). Skinner’s studies show that many kids lead to violent behavior after frequent physical punishment. This is why parents should look at different ways of punishing young children.…

    • 1029 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Child Rearing Family Paper
    • 4607 Words
    • 19 Pages

    Child Rearing Family Paper

    Appropriate forms of discipline that were used included timeouts and verbal explanation because it allows the parent to separate the deed from the doer and encourages respect and kindness (McKinney, 2013). The disciplinary method of spanking, a form of corporal punishment, was used by Amy and Joe when Ronny would get too out of control in his younger years. Although Ronny does not exhibit signs of aggression at his current age, spanking usually teaches aggression toward other people and manifests the belief that hitting is acceptable. Additionally, Spanking prevents inquisitive behavior and elicits inversion of emotions and behavior as the child matures. Studies say that spanking is no more effective than other methods of discipline and is not recommended as a method of disciplining children (McKinney, 2013). If Amy and Joe do decide to have another child, using corporal punishment as a method of discipline too frequently may result in aggressive behavior toward others and manifests the idea that hitting is an acceptable manner of behavior. As the child matures these habits could result in harm toward others, to the child, and could lead to a lifetime of delinquency (Gershoff,…

    • 4607 Words
    • 19 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Pros and Cons of Spanking
    • 1006 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Pros and Cons of Spanking

    The theory of discipline has been debated for decades. Arguments over how it should be carried out and how harsh it should be has been discussed. One aspect of discipline has been shoved into the dark, the effect on the child. No matter how much it is spoken of children remember what happened to them in their childhood. Whether they were pleasant or not can lead to problems later in life. One debate that shall soon be settled deals with the spanking of children.…

    • 1006 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Spanking Verses Child Abuse
    • 2053 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Spanking Verses Child Abuse

    The common misconception that spanking is a form of child abuse affects the proper discipline of today's youth. Some parents are actually afraid to discipline their own children using the same method of belief from their own upbringing. Who is correct in the notion of right and wrong discipline? Is there such a thing as a correct way to spank your child? In my opinion, there is. So, my goal is to show that if the proper guidelines, created by certified professionals, are followed, then spanking critics fail to prove that spanking is child abuse.…

    • 2053 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More

Related Topics