Campaigns against spanking children

[Marcus Marulus]

I have witnessed lately, both on television and on posters in my city, a campaign against "hitting children". Some of those posters were emanating from the UN, others from the ministry of health. It seems to me that internationally, at least in countries forming what is usually in public discourse referred to as "West", a view by different do-gooders, psychologists, NGOs and even politicians is being spread, according to which any sort of corporeal punishment inflicted to a child for his misbehaviour would amount to almost a crime. There is even a tendency to consider it a "civic duty" to report if anybody (a neighbour etc.) spanked a child in order to correct his behaviours and ediucate it. Such parents are liable to have their children taken away from them by the government.

What do you think about that and how much widespread are such campaigns or legistation in this matter in your countries?

[Susi]

It's regarded, at least from what I've heard and seen from my mum (who works with children) that it is considered to be a sign of low intelligence and to be criminal.

To me, I don't know if it's necessary or not. I think other forms of punishment will work better (i.e. "go to bed without supper", "naughty step", etc.). I'm mixed on whether it's criminal -- it depends to what extent it is used.

[Strengthandhonour]

I think abuse against children is wrong BUT I don't think a little smack here and there are that damaging and everyone that grew up with an Italian grandmother knows it. I can tell you that my father took some beatings as a child and today he is a very accomplished individual.
I have taken my fair amount of beatings too and when I look back to it..it was justified. But as I said, sometimes kids just need to remember how the game works but continious beating in my opinion, is very very wrong.

[Lutiferre]

I honestly believe people would be better today if they had been smacked more as children. Though not to the point of retardation, of course, more like to the point of brain death

[Musaka]

From my example,punishments are much more efficient then spanking..But, spanking kids when they are not behaving good and repeating it,little spank or two can make them to think..I was always for talking with them,to see why are they doing something and to try to explain to them why it is not good to do that...In case,that he,or she do that again,well,spanking is on its way

[Christabel]

I like spanking in grown-ups LOL

[Savorgnan]

Originally Posted by Lutiferre

I honestly believe people would be better today if they had been smacked more as children. Though not to the point of retardation, of course, more like to the point of brain death

But it seems that not smacking the children at all produces exactly the same effect.