The Fine Line

 

 

Image from classroomclipart.com

 

 

As someone who believes in social progression and advancement, I think a law that is 122 years old and constantly contested should be reviewed. What if it were possible that Sweden’s law makers had the right idea behind the ban of spanking and Canada is 35 years behind the curve? It is a scary thought because Canada is a first world country and often ahead of sociological advancements that relate to human rights and freedoms.

When Swedish researchers considered spanking abuse, I agreed with the idea because it is physical hitting of another person, however; when I speak to parents who attribute their child’s good behavior to strict discipline that at times may include spanking, I feel differently. I don’t believe those parents have ever abused their children and I see healthy, well-adjusted children. At what point will the law intervene and when is spanking considered abuse?

I found it very hard for some people who support corporal punishment defend their views without sounding malicious toward children rights. I found after listening to some parent testimonies on how they felt after spanking their children, they often asked not to be judged. Some parents looked uncomfortable speaking of their experiences. I believe this was the case because over the past couple of decades since a lot of European countries outlawed the practice, Canadians have been told that spanking does not work, it creates a hostile home environment and it also creates aggression in children which may lead to violent criminal behavior.

The parents in the following video share their reasons why they choose to spank or not to spank. I agree with all of their views not because they are all right but because their methods are all within the law and not every child-parent relationship is the same and they have found methods that work for them.

I believe corporal punishment in the home turns to abuse in instances where the spankings are unwarranted. Spanking should only be used in situations where a parent has tried every other effective approach.