Is Spanking an Effective Method of Discipline?

Should we be legally required to spare the rod? Will that result in spoiling the child? The debate over whether or not to spank a child has gone on for decades. Any ethical subject regarding children is among the most complicated, but this issue, with its religious foundations and frightening implications, is ranked very high among issues that are most talked about regarding ethical childcare and parenting practices.

Some researchers fear that spanking will result in traumatized children. They think that children who are spanked will be more likely to act out aggressively, suffer from depression, or endure many other psychological and social problems. Some researchers also believe that a child who is spanked may become a violent or psychologically damaged adult. Others believe that these theories and findings are results of seriously flawed testing.

There is also a common fear that spanking will go too far, leading to abuse. It is a logical fear. Many parents spank their children when they are frustrated or angry which can lead to a child being harmed. Some parents choose to use an object for spanking, such as a paddle or belt. Using objects can make it difficult to tell the force of the spanking, leading to excessive force and bruising or even more serious injuries. But there are those who believe that this too is a flawed argument, because parents who take spanking too far are usually parents who are also abusive through other means of discipline, which would mean that spanking is not the cause of the abuse but a symptom.

With all the possible repercussions of spanking, many ask, "Why risk it?" In response to that question, some say, "Because it works." It is a popular belief that today's children are growing increasingly disobedient and disrespectful. Could this be a direct affect of the growing apprehension to using spanking as a form of discipline?