The Importance Of Reasonabl Spanking

Child abuse is a growing issue. It has become a serious problem towards children and family structure. The result of abuse is because many of children who suffer from abuse end up with long term effects that lead into their adult life. Physical abuse involving children is the most common abuse and the most noticeable to see if it is going on. The State of Arizona should keep child abuse under control by obtaining a better protection system and narrowing down to the abuse that impacts a child the most.
Spanking is considered as a punishment, but also a form of child abuse. Such as spanking, a child can not only cause them to be abusive and suicidal, but also fall into extreme depression because of it. According to an article by Parents.com , “ Spanking isn't considered abuse as long as it is
reasonable and does not cause any injury to the child (Reece).” To a certain degree spanking is harmless. There is no way that a slight spank can cause a child to fall into depression, unless there is more being done. Spanking is a form of punishment, but not so much abuse to a child. A parent's goal is to raise their children to be obedient, but also teach them right and wrong. A child being spanked constantly out of a parent’s rage, is different than one being spanked when they are acting out. A child will turn out abusive if they experience an immense amount of physical abuse at home other than spanking. As stated in the Huffington Post, “ Research showing that physical punishment in childhood can lead to poor mental health in adulthood, including increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts and alcohol abuse (Gates).” Throughout the articles that list all several “possible” results from spanking a child, there is no sign of suicide being in any part of it. Most of the results from spanking are those from actually physical punishment done on a child. However, in an article that summarizes what a doctor thinks of on spanking being okay or not, “Despite the fervor of anti-spanking experts, the scientific evidence that spanking does cause behavioral trouble later in life is thin. While spanking has been associated with a wide range of negative effects, such as increased aggression, decreased self-control and adolescent depression, the studies can't prove that these effects were caused by spanking.” (O’Callaghan) The statement made by the doctor just reassures that spanking is harmless to an extent and no parent should be worried that their child might get out of control in the long run. There is no reason why anyone should believe that spanking can cause all of these effects. Spanking is portrayed as a simple act of punishment.
On the other hand, spanking should be considered punishable by the law because a child should never be hit for doing something wrong. As stated in a law for the State of Arizona, “ A parent or guardian or other person entrusted with the care and supervision of a minor or incompetent person may use reasonable and appropriate physical force upon the minor or incompetent person when and to the extent reasonably necessary and appropriate to maintain discipline (Spanking Laws).” Several parents of today would disagree with this reason to not spank their kid. Never is not the word that should be used in the statement towards spanking. Talking to a kid about what they did wrong sometimes isn’t enough. Taking action of something that was not okay or something they have done several times is not a bad thing. According to a study done by Parenting.com, “ 74% of mothers believe spanking is acceptable for kids ages 1 to 3.”(O’Callaghan) Studies not only help a parent realize what’s actually right, they state the facts as well. In all honesty, the law should never punish a parent for how they believe to discipline their
children.
Lastly, children should grow up believing their home is a safe place and not be afraid of their parents. A child will always trust their parents. A parent can not always be a friend and a parent to a child. Their children should respect them at all times. There are times when a child can not always be let to do whatever they please to do. Its leading them onto a wrong route to where they will display out of hand behavior. In a moment, when they are not acting as they are suppose to act, that is when the parent will want to discipline their child to get them back on check. A child should not be disciplined every single time they act out.
It is hard to believe why people would not want to enforce stricter laws against child abuse. Trying to control child abuse in the State of Arizona through the parents is not a simple matter that can be resolved in a day. It is important to remind the public that child abuse to a greater extent is not is unacceptable. Although, realizing that not everything stated in the definition of child abuse means that it is a serious issue such a simple spanking.