Spanking Children

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that there are few parenting topics that spark the intensity of debate more strongly than the topic of spanking. For many years parents and experts have argued, studied, and examined the use of corporal punishment on children with mixed results. The writer discusses that in the 1950s corporal punishment was not only an accepted source of punishment, it was also a recommended form of punishment by pediatricians and other child experts across the nation. A few decades ago, the tide began to turn and child experts started to advise against spanking as a punishment for children. Today, for the most part, experts believe that the use of spanking as a form of punishment is at best ineffective and at its worst, harmful. This paper examines the changing views of spanking for punishment over the past few decades and argues that its use has become outdated.

Outline:
Introduction
History
The Bottom Line
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The bottom line when it comes to the use of spanking children as a form of punishment is that it should never be done. If an adult will go to jail for hitting another adult, why on earth would it ever be acceptable and okay to strike a child for any reason? Children are smaller and more fragile than adults and deserve at the very least the same protections that adults have under the law from being hit any time one does not like that adult's actions. Those who support the use of corporal punishment insist that it is different because the child being spanked is related to the spanker, however that argument is not valid either as it is illegal for related spouses to hit each other as well. It is called domestic violence and when it happens someone goes to jail."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Harder, Ben (2007) Spanking: When parents lift their hands -- It's better not to use corporal punishment, researchers agree. But, in fact, people do. Now we're learning the consequences. Special to The Times, Los Angeles Times,
• Stewart, Allan, (2002) Issue of corporal punishment: re-examined. Journal of Instructional Psychology
• Grogan-Kaylor, Andrew (2004) The effect of corporal punishment on antisocial behavior in children. Social Work Research
• Straus, M.A. (1994). Beating the devil out of them: Corporal punishment in American families. San Francisco, CA: New Lexington Press.
• Strassberg, Z., Dodge, K.A., Pettit, G.S., & Bates, J.E. (1994). "Spanking in families and subsequent aggressive behavior toward peers by kindergarten students". Development and Psychopathology, 6, 445-461.

More papers on Spanking Children:

• Argumentative Essay # 10722 : "Spanking Children"
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• Persuasive Essay # 149103 : "Spanking as a Discipline Measure"

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