Summary: The Negative Effects Of Physical Discipline

In our culture today, more Americans are coming to the belief that physical discipline of kids such as spanking is wrong. Scientists have been more recently carrying out studies on the negative effects of physical discipline, and some parents are concurring that it is the wrong way to handle misbehaving kids. With this change of heart comes more judgement upon public figures who use physical discipline with their kids. One example is with NFL running back Adrian Peterson, who disciplined his son with a switch, and consequently, the NFL suspended him indefinitely from all football activities. It is increasingly becoming more of an issue for parents worldwide as they try to figure out what is the best way to discipline their kids and raise them to be proper …show more content…
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, child abuse qualifies under federal law as, “‘Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or, an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.’” (2010) Yet within this definition, there are so many exploitations and interpretations that parents can make from it. Therefore, it is very hard to use it in argumentation. But, basically, if parents use physical discipline in a manner where they verbally tell their children the right decision in their situation for the future, give them a chance to correct their mistake, then if they don’t, give them a physical punishment in private that causes the child no embarrassment and no visible markings of pain, then it is an appropriate method of disciplining. And, in addition, it would not be child abuse. This method of appropriate disciplining will cause the child to understand their mistake and be sure to prevent themselves from making it again so as to avoid the pain they would receive as a consequence for not