The Spanking Debate DISCIPLINE IN FAMILIES Defining Spanking

The Spanking Debate DISCIPLINE IN FAMILIES

Defining Spanking �Hitting a child with an open hand on the buttocks or extremities with the intent to discipline without leaving a bruise or causing physical harm. �A type of corporal punishment

Spanking � 74% of parents in the U. S. who have children under 17 use spanking as a discipline technique � 94% of parents with children between the ages of 3 -4 years old engage in spanking � 61% of parents of young children view spanking as acceptable

Spanking �Practice of hitting children is deeply embedded in: Religious beliefs Cultural views Government Law Social policy

Spanking – What does the Research Say? �Spanking frequency is positively related to aggression, misconduct, and related constructs

The Spanking Debate – 3 Positions �The Anticorporal Punishment Position Violence begets violence All spanking has harmful consequences for child development �Aggression, behavior problems, future spouse abuse, suicidal ideation, arousal to masochistic sex Modeling violence – Social Learning Theory Those that love you, hit you Moral grounds

The Spanking Debate – 3 Positions �The Conditional Corporal Punishment Position No blanket injunction warranted Effects of spanking are not negative or positive, may be either or both �The effectiveness of providing explanations or timeouts to child may be enhanced when backed up by mild spanking What does the child think about the spanking? �May change based on child’s age, race, family structure Spanking guidelines

The Spanking Debate – 3 Positions �The Pro Corporal Punishment Position Spare the rod, spoil the child Found in the general population Assumes spanking is not only beneficial, to refrain from spanking is detrimental �Teaches Lack respect for authority of sufficient discipline leads to increase societal discord

Disciplining Toddlers: Spanking � If you choose to not spank your child… What other techniques will you use? How will you handle your frustration when your strategy doesn’t get the immediate results like spanking may get? How will you handle others’ opinions of your choice to not spank? (e. g. , partner, in-laws, parents, friends) � If you choose to spank your child… How will you monitor spanking out of love and not anger? How will you ensure that you are not hurting your child? How will you explain to your child why you hit him/her after teaching your child to not hit other people?