When an adult hits an adult, it’s considered assault. When a man hits a woman, it’s domestic violence. When a person hits an animal, it’s abuse. When a child hits an adult, it’s disrespect. When a child hits another child, we call it bullying.
But when a big, strong person hits a small, weak one, and leaves a mark, it’s called discipline? Let’s get real, people.
If you’re leaving a mark, you’re using too much force. The potential for an adult to do permanent physical harm to a child, not to mention emotional distress, is too risky to advocate. But, according to Rep. Gail Finney of Wichita, striking a child hard enough (with a hand, up to ten times) to leave red marks and bruises should be allowed under the law. “Restoring parental rights” is her goal, and she is sadly mistaken about how to go about this.
Obviously Finney hasn’t read the multitudes of studies showing there are healthier alternatives to spanking/hitting. About how physical punishment not only leads to physical harm, but to detrimental psychological changes in children that can have a lasting effect for the rest of his or her life.
Those who were spanked as children often do not think it’s wrong because they were taught that controlling children through fear was the “right” thing to do. This parenting method has been carried through the generations with little to no consideration.
Those of us who oppose physical punishment come up against a lot of criticism and guilt-tripping from others who continue the cycle of abuse. But guess what? I was spanked as a child, too, and it’s not easy for me to say that my parents were wrong. I love them and know they cared about me, and realize they were doing the best job they could with the information that was available to them in the 1980’s. I truly don’t believe they would have chosen to spank if they were of my generation and had the information that I do.
We live in the twenty-teens now, folks! If you’re reading this article, you have the power to read for yourself the scientific facts and plethora of case studies showing there are healthier alternatives to spanking/hitting.
On the flip-side, will banning corporal punishment prevent child abuse?
I’ve never seen anyone act out of kindness due to a law, but we certainly should not encourage abusing children by making laws allowing for it. Those of us who know better need to share our resources and advocate for the ethical treatment of children.
“KCTV reports Rep. John Rubin, chairman of the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee, says he isn’t sure the committee will even consider the bill.” (read more)
If you agree that this proposal shouldn’t leave Rep. Finney’s desk, please contact Rep. John Rubin at the contact information below and let him know you think the bill is wrong and the committee should dismiss it.
Phone: 785 296-7690
Email:[email protected]
