The Pros And Cons Of Spanking A Child

Do you believe that spanking a child is a valid source of punishment? People all around the world are arguing whether or not spanking a child should be allowed. Some people believe that spanking a child should not be allowed. Parents around the world are allowing their children to be spanked during school. Parents are finding alternatives to spanking as a punishment. Parents and psychologists are arguing if children should be spanked. In the 21st century, people all around the world argue whether or not spanking is a valid source of punishment. Americans have their own opinions on whether or not spanking a child should be allowed. “The Psychology of Spanking,” published in 2012, is an article about the effects, alternatives and statistics about spanking a child. According to The Psychology of Spanking, 19 of the 50 States of America allow schools to spank children. In the United States, 19 states have schools, of all grade levels, allowing the students to get spanked for “bad behavior.” Indiana is included in the 19 schools allowing spankings. “The Psychology of Spanking”
states, “IN every state, parents reserve the legal right to hit their child the force is considered reasonable, determined by the courts on a case - by - case basis” (“The Psychology of Spanking”). Parents are allowed to I do not agree with either of these opinions. I believe parents should be the only ones allowed to physically punish their child. The courts will determine if the reason is valid or not. In my opinion, schools can punish students, but they can only punish the student in ways that are not physical.
Psychologists have their own opinion on whether or not children should be spanked as a punishment for “bad behavior.” Darcia Narvaez, a professor of psychology at Notre Dame, wrote an article about the spanking children on September 8, 2013. Narvaez states, “Hitting children undermines their well-being in the long term” (Narvaez). When a child is spanked for their behavior, they will have long-term issues. Narvaez stats, “Spanking does not convey positive guidance on how to behave in a particular situation, only how not to behave if a threat of punishment is at hand” (Narvaez). Children will still misbehave unless there is a threat of punishment. Spanking a child will not correct their behavior.
Along with any other punishments, there are effects on the child both long-term, and short-term.
The Psychology of Spanking states, “Spanked children become more aggressive. Spanked children become more delinquent and less verbal. Spanked children develop less gray matter” (“The Psychology of Spanking”). Children that are spanked become more angry and less talkative. Some statistics of the effects on children who are spanked include, children, who are the age of three, that are being spanked less than two times a month have a 17% chance of being more aggressive when they are the age of five, and children, who are the age of three, that are spanked more than two times a month are 49% likely to be more aggressive when they are the age of five (“The Psychology of Spanking”). Spanking a child more than two times a month, who is the age of three, has a worse effect on the child at the age of
five.
Just like any other punishment, there are alternatives to spanking children. According to The Psychology of Spanking, in order to have a discipline system that is effective, there are at least 3 vital elements that the system must include. An alternative to spanking a child involves having a discipline system. The Psychology of Spanking states, “Develop a positive supportive and loving relationship. Use positive reinforcement to increase desired behaviors. Remove reinforcements or apply punishment to reduce or eliminate undesired behaviors” (“The Psychology of Spanking”). Awarding a child for their “good behavior”, is just as good as punishing a child for their “bad behavior”. Examples of the alternatives for punishment for bad behavior include, time-out, or loss of privileges. Examples of the alternatives for awards for good behavior include, a new toy, or going to the park.
In conclusion, a portion of parents find other sources of punishment than spanking. Research shows that child who are spanked, have more long-term issues than children who are not spanked. Spanking a child can cause more issues for the child. Children who are spanked, have a higher chance of becoming more aggressive. Psychologists opinion about spanking a child as a punishment, is something that should not happen. People all around the world are arguing whether or not children should be spanked as a punishment.
Works Cited
Narvaez, Darcia. "Research on Spanking: It's Bad for ALL Kids." Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, 08 Sept. 2013. Web. 05 Mar. 2018.
"The Psychology of Spanking." Online Psychology Degrees. N.p., 2012. Web. 4 Mar. 2018.