Question: Some parents believe spanking is a good way to discipline a child. Others think it is abuse. What do you think?Please explain your answer.

Depends on how often you do it. Only once in a great while, say, for stealing, is it somehow necessary.

Someone should never hit a child.

Spanking is the only way of hitting a child that I think is non-abusive because it shows them discipline.

If it is not done in a way that is extreme or really hurting the child, it is fine. My mother used to spank me every once in a while but not to the point where it was abuse.

Spanking can hurt a child but it also puts them in their place.

I don't believe in spanking hard or with hard objects like belts, etc.

Well, I think children should be spanked but only when it's needed.

It's not really abuse because you can't injure your child that way, but I think that any form of hitting could be setting a bad example.

Sometimes, it's not so bad because the Bible says, "Spoil the rod and spare the child."

It depends on what one would consider spanking.

If it is really needed then ok, otherwise no.

If the child needs to be disciplined, Time Out or other forms such as taking away their favorite toy and such. Spanking can lead to emotional problems.

Show them they did something wrong.

CHILD ABUSE!!

Sometimes it's needed but other times it can be unnecessary.

Spanking is okay to a certain level. Yet, when a child is being continually spanked or smacked it becomes wrong. It isn't right to hurt a child because you have to learn from the mistakes you are inevitably going to make. Not be hit for making them.

It's what the parent thinks it is.

Hurting a child is not teaching them right from wrong. Sitting out of activities teaches them their lesson just as well.

It's not fair for any child to be spanked.

A little tap isn't that bad but if it's more than that to the point where the child is crying and scared of the parent then there's a problem.

It will teach a child to behave and not make the same mistake twice.

Honestly, I think spanking is unnecessary. It also goes back to the whole thing about, how it's not respect you're getting from the child, it would be fear.

Abuse, because you're not supposed to hurt your child.

Well, It depends on the age and what kind of hitting.

Some parents believe that spanking is a good form of punishment and some think it is abuse. I guess it depends on how hard you spank the child.

Spanking is abuse and can cause mental abuse.

Spanking isn't abuse, but I don't like it.

I was spanked a lot ... I turned out to be what people call a goody-good, because I always do what I'm told.

Not gonna happen.

It unnecessarily hurts them.

That's what my parents do.

There is a difference in a small spanking to get the point across, and a physical action that actually causes lots of pain and is a sign of disrespect.

I don't know. So many people think it's abuse and so many don't.

There are always other solutions, such as taking away certain privileges.

Unless it's a real beating ... it's not abuse.

Well, sometimes it is discipline. But in other ways some parents mean for it to hurt, just hurt as bad as abuse.

My mom spanked me and I'm probably better off now, I'm not spoiled.

If it is used as a threat, then it's not discipline. For many years spanking has been used and they all turned out alright and have self-discipline.

Any form of hitting is unnecessary as long as the adult is rational.

There is a HUGE difference between disciplining and abuse. Abuse is hurting a child with no apparent reason and disciplining is saying, "I love you but I don't like the action that you're doing. I'm going to do this to show you it's wrong and you shouldn't do it again."

I don't think it is "abuse" but personally, I am a nonviolent person and I think there are healthier ways to discipline children rather than hitting them.

No one should hit a child. It's unethical.

Up until a certain age, about seven or so, children need reinforcement that there are consequences for their actions. If there are no actual consequences, the child will grow up "knowing" that they can do anything that they want and that their parents are helpless to stop them. This instills a healthy respect of the parent. While spanking is necessary to proper child rearing, it can be applied at the wrong time and for the wrong thing. If the child blatantly defies the parent, the child should be spanked, but if the child did not hear the parent when the child was called, there should not be any punishment, even though the child did obey the parent immediately. Also, in some instances, a parent might be angry or frustrated with a child and spank the child harder than the disobedience would normally call for.

For some children that's the incentive it takes for them to obey -- obviously it shouldn't be too hard, though; no bruises, etc.

There are several other acceptable punishments that don't require using physical pain.

It depends on how old and how hard you spank the child.

Well, it's one thing if it's for a younger child who needs that kind of discipline and a whole other deal if you are older.

Some parents take spanking out of proportion but sometimes it is the only way to get through to some children.

Spanking is the only way to get a child's attention. Threatening doesn't work; that's why we have so many discipline problems with kids today. If a parent really cares about their child, they will teach them right and wrong.

It is another way that a child is abused.

I think that when used correctly it can be an effective deterrent to bad behaviour.

Spanking physically hurts and can emotionally scar a child.

Giving a child a spank on the butt is sending a message, "Don't do it again."

I don't really know but time out would work and if that doesn't work then, yes, spanking them ok.

It depends on the age. I think once you turn 6 then the spanking can stop and what I mean by spanking is like a hard tap. Not a hard spank or hard enough to leave a red mark, just enough to get the point through.

Self-explanatory, not a firm believer.

I think that negative reinforcement for behavior is a good way to teach about consequences. "If I do something wrong, it can hurt me." Literally or figuratively, the lesson is the same.

It's not necessarily abuse but the child will learn from it and not do it again hopefully.

I know a kid who called child services on their parent for doing that and the other parent got custody of the kid.

Some parents may slap, hit and spank all the time. Others may just occasionally give their child a firm bump to the butt.

I was spanked when I was a child, and I turned out fine ...

Sometimes it's no big deal, it becomes abusive if the parents start doing it too often.

It's versatile.

As long as it's not too hard and when they deserve it.

It always taught me a lesson and it wasn't harsh to my health.

In some ways I find spanking horrible. But maybe it is the only way parents can find to get their child to listen. I don't know, I am not a parent yet.

It hurts the child and they copy.

I think if a child is raised right, they will be ashamed enough that they have disobeyed a parent to the point they will learn to avoid such a situation.

You're hitting a child ... doesn't take a rocket scientist.

I think it depends on how hard, how often, for what reasons ... [not for trivial things, or things that are out of the kid's control.]

If you fight fire with fire, you just get a bigger fire, right? Well, hitting is violence, and violence is never the answer. Also, who would WANT to hurt their child? It's cruel.

Spanking hurts.

Spanking can be harmful to the child.

I think it's kind of abuse but sometimes kids are uncontrollable so you have to do something to keep them under your control.

I'm not sure because sometimes it is the only way to get a message to a child who does not behave at all.

Depends on how often/how hard they spank the child.

Because then the child will learn from their mistake.

Proverbs says one who spares the rod is an utter fool.

As a child, my parents spanked me, and while I hated it, it did make me stop doing bad things. Now I'm grateful that they did teach me through that so that I didn't turn out to be a brat. And besides, what other form of punishment will get your kid to be obedient? Sitting in the corner? I know from experience that that doesn't influence a kid to stop, because they can go right back to doing what they were doing. As long as spanking is not over-used for small meaningless things, and doesn't hurt the child seriously hard, I wouldn't consider it abuse.

Punishment should be the removal of privileges, and a lack of pain is not a privilege.

It's a good method and a bad at the same time. I'm not really sure which is better.

It all depends on what the child has done ... if they have done something very serious I understand the parents wanting to punish their child ... but if it's something small like dropping something of little value ... then it shouldn't be allowed to happen.

It inflicts pain and normally leaves a mark, which is child abuse.

If a child is doing something wrong the parents should talk about it, not cause harm to their children.

Spanking is still HITTING your child. There are other ways of solving problems, like confiscating something that means a lot or send them to bed earlier.

It's beating, in other words.

It just depends on how you're spanking the child.

You are intentionally hurting your child ... abuse.

Some parents do it because their kids have to learn what's right and what not to do. The kids must learn that, so it's not really abuse unless the parents are physically beating their kids.

It could be either way.

It hurts the child and gets the child angry to do it to their children.

It is discipline, maybe not good discipline.

It's mixture, there's a point when it's abuse.

You should never hit your child. I think you should talk to them.

As long as you are not beating the crap out of them or something like that I believe it is good for young children, mostly because it gets through to them. I believe it also because I'm a Christian and the Bible approves of it.

It's abuse and everyone should know it! How would they feel if a child spanked them? It's abuse of powers!

As long as its a spank, not a hit, and if you do it a tad it will be okay but don't abuse your child.

It hurts and doesn't work.

Talking to doesn't help anything. Sometimes kids need a good pop.

It's only abuse if you beat the child for no reason if it leaves a mark ... I think if you hit someone if they did something wrong they learn better than when you just say no ...

Honestly. Spanking is only abuse if the child has bruises constantly.

Correct their mistakes now because time-outs don't work. They're like suspensions, they give the child time off to do things they like to do.

I think this can and cannot be a form of abuse. It depends on the situation and how extreme the "spanking" is.

Pain is really the only way to discipline kids nowadays and get the point across. Yeah, we hate our stuff getting taken away, but the message doesn't really stick.

It hurts the child physically and emotionally.

Well, I suppose it depends.

That teaches your children nothing but to live in fear. You should put your children in time-out to think about what they did. Also, spanking then can cause them to have anger problems.

Lots of parents spank, and sometimes it is a good thing if they don't spank too hard ... just a pat so that they know they've done something wrong. Or just tell them instead of being physical.

It really depends on the circumstances but I think that generally it has a negative effect because the child then learns that it is acceptable to hit someone when you are angry.

Yelling means nothing to children now. That's why there's so many problems, there is no fear of adults. Being told not to do something is not memorable, feeling pain for doing something is. It's better to hit a child when they go near plug sockets so they know it means pain, rather than tell them off and let them try again.

While I think it's wrong for a parent to actually beat their child, with something like a belt especially. Sometimes children need something physical as a reminder of what they did and that it is wrong. On the other hand it is unacceptable after the child reaches adolescence.

It depends on the reason for spanking and how often it is used.

Placing your hands on a child is never okay.

Any hitting is abuse! Why would you even spank your child!!!!

My parents never spanked me because they were against it. I have been raised well and believe that spanking is a good way to get a dog that cannot understand English or reason to learn, not a child who needs advice and response.

You're hurting your child.

As long as it's nothing more, then it's fine.

It is a good disciplinary action but sometimes it can turn into abuse.

Spanking shows that this is wrong and if you do it there are going to be consequences.

You should be able to hit your kids, for discipline.

It really should depend on the reason for it and how rough they are on the child.

It's hitting the child!

Because you would not want to be smacked!

Some kids just need a good ass-whooping.

It's how kids learn not to do certain things.

Because it hurts.

I think a child does need a little spanking every once in a while. That's how they did it in the olden days, that's how I was raised and there's a difference between that and abusing your child.

As long as you are not hitting so hard that it leaves a definite mark then it's a good way of discipline.

Parents should never hit children. Full stop! If the child is being hit, it's seen as abuse and the parent could be in trouble with the law. Children who have abusive childhoods sometimes grow up and are abusive to their own children because they don't know any different.

Spankings should never be applied in anger, but it is a good form of discipline.

I am not sure about this, because every child needs a good spanking once in a while if they're being a brat. I don't think it's necessary to do it more than, say ... once a month though.

It is hitting a child.

It is not abusive unless it is done a lot or with an object that could injure the child. I was spanked and I still don't think it's abuse. And the kids I know who weren't spanked are spoiled and control their parents, which is wrong.

It shows the child the punishment for misbehaving, depending on the type of misbehavior. It should not be considered abuse.

Spanking teaches the child that there is a consequence for every wrongdoing. If the child knows that they are going to feel pain if they do something wrong, they will think twice before misbehaving again.

I've been spanked before. It sucks and it hurts. It's abusive when you get smacked in the face. It hurts more when it's your ass, plus it's embarassing.

It all depends on how far the parent takes the spanking.

It is the easiest way to control the child.

Worked for me.

Nowadays we can't lay a hand on children or else they might turn on us for abuse.

It just is.

As long as they don't hit too hard. Spanking works, it creates a connection in the child's mind between misbehavior and pain.

My parents never spanked me and as long as the child in question isn't being caused extreme physical pain, then it shouldn't be considered child abuse.

I'm in between because spanking causes a fear in the child so they know what is wrong and the idea of consequences, but if you spank too much over very little things that just deserve a small scolding then it turns into abuse.

They should get done!

My parents spanked me and I didn't like it but it wasn't abuse, it was a form of discipline. Beating is abuse, spanking is not.

Corporal Punishment.

There is a difference between spanking a child and abusing one.

You shouldn't spank your child!

Uh, as long as it isn't too severe, I think it's okay. A good whack is a nice way of showing you care.

Spanking is a form of abuse if over-used. It can also be good discipline.

It helps when they are doing something really bad.

You shouldn't be able to hit or hurt your child in any way.

Spanking can sometimes help. Just don't do it regularly. It helps the child to know, like, if he does this bad thing he will get a spanking.

I think in some cases it's a good way of teaching the child right from wrong but the parent mustn't beat the child with an object or do it without a good reason or even that hard.

You're hitting the child. That's abuse.

The thing people fear most is pain. If pain is a consequence, the kid is less likely to repeat the behavior. The parents usually barely tap the kid on the butt and it seems a lot harder than it actually is. Kids overreact and it seems like abuse. Sometimes it is, but in the right circumstance and the appropriate volume, it is perfectly fine. But only parents should do it. Teachers and daycare workers should not do it.

It depends how hard you spank. A light spank can get the message across without hurting too much.

Not a full slap around the moosh, but when I was, like, 8, I wouldn't dare talk to my parents rudely, otherwise I'd get a smacked arse. I don't agree with the whole pulling the arm out of the socket when the kid is making tamprom in the high street, but a smack on the bottom kept me respecting my parents and I'm the youngest of four.

Because it teaches the child not to misbehave but I think the parent should never mark the child when doing this.

Teaches manners and respect, but only in exceptional circumstances.

Only when completely necessary. It shouldn't be done for everything but just for the big things.

Not sure as it could be both if there is excessive spanking.

I mean, that's just how I was raised.

Hurting someone isn't discipline.

I WOULDN'T WANT TO HIT MY CHILD SO I WOULD PUT THEM ON PUNISHMENT.

Spanking will help the child learn that bad behavior has consequences.

It depends on the situation.

When I was little I got spanked and I respect my parents more than some other children do.

You're not abusing your child, you're teaching them a lesson.

Usually with kids it only takes one time, and you don't hit them to hurt them, it's more to get their attention. Hitting them to hurt them is abuse.

So long as it's not damaging, or absolutely painful. The fear of being physically punished is effective even without the actual physical part.

Hurting others is always wrong.

The difference between discipline and abuse is if you spank out of anger. So I think that spanking is alright used correctly.

I know it is not abuse, but I think it makes the kids a little scared and hurt. I was only spanked twice, so ...

A parent should be loving and caring and should never forcefully smack their child, a "spanking" is just a nice way of putting it.

Spanking should not be used as discipline. Instead they should discuss what they did and have some other form of punishment.

It's a good way of disciplining but to be used in moderation.

Well, it could be discipline but it could also be taken too far.

It fully depends on the situation and the definition of spanking.

It depends: if the parent spanks a child badly, or on a sensitive area(mouth or head, etc.) then it is abuse. I was spanked when I was a kid and it felt like a light touch: that is not abuse. If a parent does it continually and the child cries for a long time, that's abuse. If it teaches the kid to refrain from doing the action, it is not. I believe fear is NEVER an effective method of correction in any case because the child could have psychological problems and extreme fears based on any bad experience.

You should NEVER hit your child ... no matter what they did wrong.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It depends on the amount, intensity, and why it is occurring.

I was spanked once, but that's it. If I have kids, I don't want to hit them, at all, some of it just seems, wrong, but then, at the same time, there are many parents who do spank their kids and have not gone further than that, while some parents who chose the "no spanking, no yelling" choice, have no control of their kids.

You are hurting the child and the best way is to use words and explain what they did wrong. By spanking or abusing the child they are scared of you and will do the right only because of the abuse they may get from the parent.

It gets their attention faster.

It doesn't hurt the child.

Hitting.

It teaches a child to use violence when they're angry, but sometimes it is the only way to discipline them and get the message across.

Sometimes it can be ok.

It is physically causing pain to the child, when there are much more effective ways to enforce discipline.

It is not abuse if the child has done wrong and the child will most often be better disciplined later in life if they are shown physically if what they have done is wrong.

It's abuse, but depends on bruising.

It's not abuse if it's like 1-5 swats on the bottom. As long as it doesn't cause real harm, just a bottom that smarts for like 5 min. It also has to be in the context as an incentive for the child to behave.

It could hurt the child.

I don't believe in spanking. I believe there is a different way to discipline your child that excludes spanking. You could yell at them, or maybe swat at their hands. I don't think violence is a good way out of anything.

Spare the rod and spoil the child. There is a line between discipline and abuse, and yes, sometimes spanking can cross that line, but when used appropriately, it can be a useful form of discipline.

I'm not sure, because if you spank them, it might be considered discipline, but it's way different if you beat them.

It is physical punishment, and a time out would work just as well.

It depends, I guess ...

It's violent.

Sometimes a strong word or an hour in the corner just isn't enough. That said, smacking your child silly isn't exactly appropriate.

Spanking is mean and cruel. It won't do much good neither. Instead, take away something of the child's until the lesson has been learned.

You should not hit your children.

I was spanked when I was younger and I honestly believed that it helped me immensely with becoming the well-mannered, well-disciplined teen I am today. I am a straight A and B student and I believe that it also helped me keep disciplined in school and as far as my working experience has gone. Although, I do believe that once a child hits puberty the spanking should stop and a new form of discipline should be used!

It's a form of discipline, but if you hit your child too hard to cause a bruise, it is abuse to the child's body.