Abstract To be able to learn from our decisions and actions, we must be able to accept the consequences as it is the only way to learn. If the consequences are favorable, humans will learn to accept their actions and decisions. If they are not favorable, the consequences usually teach humans to not repeat the action or decision they have made. As adults, the consequences for poor choices usually result in a reaction from the surrounding society. As an adult, humans learn to accept what they can and not accept what they can’t, though some choices are not made, inevitably an adult has a choice. A child on the other hand, living in an adult world, does not have a choice as to what consequences they suffer due to their actions and decisions. As an adult in the life of a child, the adult needs to make the decisions on what type of consequences should be placed on the child’s negative actions. There are many controversial discussions on this subject, especially when it comes to corporal punishment of a child. Is corporal punishment needed to discipline children? Whether you agree or disagree with corporal punishment of children does not matter as much as the impact it has on the child.
What is corporal punishment on a child?
Punishment is rendered on those whose actions are wrong. Punishment comes from those who govern the one being punished. While punishment can come all types of ways, corporal punishment is usually inflicted on the body. “Corporal punishment is a physical punishment in which pain is deliberately inflicted on a perpetrator of a wrong in order to exact retribution and to deter similar behavior in future” (idebate.org, 2012). This could be any form of pain, not just physical. The idea is to make the person suffer the consequences of their wrong actions so that they will deter from the bad behavior in the future. Practiced in some form throughout the ages of every
References: Bedau, H. & Kelly, E. (2010). "Punishment", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2010 Edition), Retrieved from: Childhelp.org. (2012). National Child Abuse Statistics. Retrieved from : http://www.childhelp.org/pages/statistics?gclid=COTAnOmx5bECFQmd7Qod2ksAkg Endcorporalpunishment.org. 2012. Albania makes all corporal punishment of children unlawful. Healy, M. (2012). Study links physical punishment to later mental disorders. Retrieved from: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-06-28/spanking-mental- Swan, R. (2012). Religious Attitudes on Corporal Punishment. Retrieved from: http://childrenshealthcare.org/?page_id=146