When Does Discipline Become Abuse?

Jim Rohn once said, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments”(Jim Rohn) but when does discipline become abuse? Disciplining children after a misbehavior, is a typical and normal method, that can teach children of their wrong-doing. Nevertheless, some parents become blind to the fact that too much discipline, can lead to the point where it can actually become child abuse. The article “Child Discipline”, announced that, “In twenty-nine countries and territories surveyed, an average of eighty-six percent of children ages 2-14, experienced violent discipline at home” .This mistreatment develops when a parent or guardian, takes out improper anger on a child rather than educating the child on what is appropriate and not appropriate …show more content…
The author of Little Ears, Little Eyes, stated that, “ Abuse does not only involve physical violence.” Studies have shown that verbal attacks may even be worse than spanking children. Verbal attacks may cause emotional traumas for children as well as ruin a child’s self esteem, damage the trust they have for people, and it can also even destroy social and academic skills. Benj Vardigan stated that , “ Current research shows that verbal abuse of children can be just as destructive emotionally as physical and sexual abuse and puts them in as much risk for depression and anxiety.” Children who are attacked verbally by parents, are 15 times more likely to commit suicide, and 4 times more likely to become an alcoholic as well as a drug …show more content…
Experts say that, “Any punishment that shames or embarrasses a child, is not an effective way to discipline youngsters and may cause long-term psychological damage.” Andy Grogan-Kaylor, an associate professor of social work at the University of Michigan, stated, “Such punishments can lead to all kinds of problems in the future.” The child may grow up with problems like aggression, depression and anxiety. “These punishments can also damage a parent's relationship with their child, and lead to a cycle of bad behavior,” experts While some might argue that spanking, verbally attacking, and punishing children in an embarrassing way is not child abuse, doctors and psychologist agree otherwise. Experts say that spanking children will slow down their brain development, making it harder to focus in school, listen or pay attention , or even do basic day-to-day things. Verbally attacking children is believed to be worse than physically hurting children. This abuse can lead to emotional traumas and cause a child to commit suicide or use