Sahail AshrafThe Latest on Smacking
October 9th 2006 10:18
There have been several reports recently that have raised the issue of smacking. Triple J radio station aired the latest findings of a report by the Australian Family Association on the topic. As has been debated previously the AFA has used a survey on smacking to raise the question of whether smacking children should be made illegal.
What astounded me most about the survey’s results is that 45% of those surveyed said it’s okay to leave a mark on your child from smacking. I guess I’ll be getting half of the people reading this disagreeing with me, according to those results anyhow, but I just don’t get the logic of the whole smacking issue.
If 45% of people think it’s okay to leave a mark on your child from smacking the same people would agree that it’s okay to do the following:
1. Hit the person in front of you at the supermarket checkout because they are in the 8 items or less lane and actually have 9 items.
2. Slap the person who doesn’t look before crossing the road and consequently nearly gets hit by a car.
3. Punch the work colleague who doesn’t share her block of chocolate with you, but eats it in front of you instead.
4. Whack your husband for forgetting to grab the milk on the way home from work.
Okay, my examples might seem a bit over the top but really what’s the difference? I just don’t get it. You don’t go around hitting other adults when they don’t behave the way you want them to so why is it okay to do so to children? Within a partnership we call it domestic violence. Between strangers it’s assault. But when it’s done to children it’s smacking. And that’s okay??
What astounded me most about the survey’s results is that 45% of those surveyed said it’s okay to leave a mark on your child from smacking. I guess I’ll be getting half of the people reading this disagreeing with me, according to those results anyhow, but I just don’t get the logic of the whole smacking issue.
If 45% of people think it’s okay to leave a mark on your child from smacking the same people would agree that it’s okay to do the following:
1. Hit the person in front of you at the supermarket checkout because they are in the 8 items or less lane and actually have 9 items.
2. Slap the person who doesn’t look before crossing the road and consequently nearly gets hit by a car.
3. Punch the work colleague who doesn’t share her block of chocolate with you, but eats it in front of you instead.
4. Whack your husband for forgetting to grab the milk on the way home from work.
Okay, my examples might seem a bit over the top but really what’s the difference? I just don’t get it. You don’t go around hitting other adults when they don’t behave the way you want them to so why is it okay to do so to children? Within a partnership we call it domestic violence. Between strangers it’s assault. But when it’s done to children it’s smacking. And that’s okay??
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Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
The way I see it, smacking a child isn't so much a punishment or something that is supposed to hurt them, it's more of a shock tactic. There are times when a shouted "NO" just doesn't make the child stop quickly enough but a quick smack on the bottom makes them stop and turn around, ceasing whatever dangerous or painful activity they may have been intent upon doing.
I've also heard those reports and the findings shocked me. Not just the fact that so many parents would leave a mark on their child but that people still believe in using an implement to hit their child with, such as a belt of stick.
Smacking should never be a way of life and should never leave a mark. It should also never hurt, just act as a deterrent in times of danger.
Great post.
A.H.
Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
1. They refuse to obey.
2. They do something that could have seriously hurt themselves or others.
3. They lie.
Now, not to disagree with your post, but I respectfully disagree with your post. I do not now nor have I ever had the urge to spank the person in front of me at the checkout. Why? Because I do not care if they disobey rules. I do not care, quite frankly, what kind of a person they are or become. It is not a reflection on me.
Understand, not only do I have four children, I have four very loving, extremely well-behaved and respectful children that I get compliments on from teachers, school bus drivers and other adults. My children do not have to be medicated because they are 'ADHD'. My children learned to pay attention to what was said to them at a very early age. No disrespect intended for parents of children who truly are ADHD. I am fully aware that the disorder exists, but you cannot deny that some children are merely being medicated for bad parenting.
I will also clarify that spanking and beating are two entirely different matters. A swat or two on the bottom with the hand is much different than picking up a belt or paddle and having at it.
Additionally, I do not think it is a coincidence that many parents stopped spanking their children and now guns are in our schools. I should also mention that my children have not been spanked for a very long time...they no longer do the things on the list that would warrant it. They have learned not to.
Oh, and yes, I do smack my husband when he forgets the milk...
Comment by Home Natural Remedies
Comment by Candice
On the ADHD part, I haven't seen any evidence to suggest ADHD is a result of a lack of this type of discipline. It seems from everything I've read it's more to do with all the crap that's put in food (additive, preservatives etc).
Nor do I think that there are guns in schools because parents aren't spanking or smacking their kids. Are you talking about the US here? From the reports I've read, kids who are hit or abused are those who become violent in later life (from more than just smacking).
At least most people seem agreed that 'leaving a mark' is unacceptable because that's what I'm opposed to. I still find it hard to believe nearly half of the population thinks this is ok.
Although I might have to try smacking my hubby when he doesn't bring me home flowers and chocolates LOL.