As a method of discipline and punishment, spanking has been considered a widespread practice that parents have used. However, it raises some ethical concerns due to the possible adverse impact on the psychological well-being of children. The topic is controversial even though studies have pointed out that spanking would not solve any disciplinary issues but rather cause damage to the well-being of children. Nevertheless, some parents can get frustrated and hit their children as a result of that, not considering other options.
Spanking, hitting, and other means of causing pain are ineffective in making children adhere to the established rules. On the contrary, it can lead to aggression, antisocial behaviors, and mental health issues (Cacioppo and Freberg 367). One of the main problems of corporal punishment is the fact that it rarely works to get children to comply, and parents think that it should be escalated, causing further damage. Therefore, it is imperative to educate parents that spanking is not only ineffective but also inappropriate to establish positive relationships between them and their children.
Instead of resorting to hitting or spanking, it is recommended for parents to use the method of positive reinforcement to reward children for their good behaviors. The approach can teach children which modes of behavior are desirable and which are not, thus gradually building a model that can be used in further teaching and learning. It is essential to understand that spanking does not work as a long-term solution despite the fact that it has been popular in the past. Positive changes in children’s behavior will only occur when parents understand the importance of listening to their kids and being role models for good behavior.
Work Cited
Cacioppo, John, and Laura Freberg. Discovering Psychology: The Science of Mind. Cengage Learning, 2020.