Ethics, health
In this essay I will be discussing the ethics of Child Discipline and Psychical abuse. The issue of parental rights is an existing part of the ethical dimensions of a parent-child relationship. It is parent’s duty to decline their child as part of their many responsibilities, however the way in which they approach this issue differs between individuals. Some people may consider smacking as a form of instilling obedience in their child from a young age. The essay will be segmented into 3 parts, firstly the supporting evidence behind why a parent my feel the need to smack a child is a necessary form of discipline, secondly why smacking a child is not the best form of controlling a adolescent and lastly ones opinion on the topic after analyzing the contrasting literature.

Many people agree on the fact that smacking a child should be allowed in order to encourage appropriate behaviour. Corporal Punishments may cause a child to think twice before doing the wrong thing again due to the consequences, which consequently develops decision making skills at a young age. There are many arguments stating that smacking is different to physical abuse. Smacking is a gentle but firm slap on the child, typically with the palm of the hand as a disciplinary measure. In contrast physical abuse is punching or kicking the child with unnecessary excessive force which is not considered as a acceptable form of conduct under any circumstances. Smacking should not leave marks, no child likes to be punished, but in the long term the use of appropriate punishments such as smacking creates more disciplined children. If a child did not receive any punishments for doing the wrong things they will think there behaviour is acceptable and will continue to do so because there are no consequences in place for them. This type of attitude amongst young children would only influence them to grow up not being able to differentiate between right and wrong, the norm of behaviour should be instilled into a child while growing up. For example if a child is misbehaving and they are told off by their parent but aren’t smacked, it would most likely lead the child to continue behaving in that manner because the punishment is not harsh or strict enough for the child to realise their behaviour is wrong. Compared to a child who is smacked, they would take the telling off as a warning, and stop misbehaving as they are aware if they continue their disrespectful behaviour there will be further punishment in the form of a smack. Research has showing parents who do not smack their children results in no discipline been instilled within the kids which leads to in rising rates of crime and social problems. Smacking seems to be simply more effective as long as it is used appropriately with restrictions in place. Scholars believe that adolescents that are physically punished by their parents grow up to be more successful in comparison to children that have never been smacked. Research proves that children that are smacked at a young age, between the ages of one to six years of age perform better in the later stages of their schooling and learning development.
On the other hand smacking your child is wrong which could lead to negative effects later on in life becoming manifested through a range of emotions such as shock, fear, despair and anger. Instead of disciplining the child it could have the opposite effect as studies show bullies who are often physically and emotionally abused at home, take their anger to school and release it on children who they perceive as weak and vulnerable, thus causing inappropriate behaviour and stronger negative emotions. Also the act of striking the child may cause that child to feel resentment towards the parent. Even though the child may be much more obedient, it is not because they want to but because it is out of fear. Another reason why parents view the need to smack their children is because generally parents are not well equipped to deal with misbehaving children. They do not have enough resources or choices to handle the situation. Due to this they immediately react by smacking or hitting the child, even if there may be other solutions to the problem which has presented itself at the time. If all parents are allowed to hit their children in the name of discipline, some parents may go too far inflicting severe emotional and physical damage on their children.

I believe a parent should be able distinguish; differentiate between smacking in a disciplinary manner and child abuse. Smacking a child is not necessary in order to discipline them as there are other avenues of being firm with your child. Parents associate smacking as a discipline but I feel this is the wrong way to go about it. This is because they are teaching their child that it is ok to hit someone. As a result they go out into society with a view of they are allowed to hit people. This is also not very fair because an adult would not smack another adult if they had done something wrong. This act would be seen as a form of abuse not as discipline. What is most likely to also happen is, an adult who was smacked as a child will also treat their own children in this manner causing a never ending cycle for future generations.
In Conclusion there are various reasons and views as to whether smacking a child is right or not. Smacking a child is seen as a form of discipline for some parents as it is fast and effective but thinks it should be used appropriately depending on the situation. Smacking though may lead to a negative consequence later on in life for the child, as been repeatedly smacked may cause the child to harness emotions of fear, anger and despair. Parents may use this method because they may believe this is the only method to use to discipline their children, but may end up using excessive force causing harsh emotional and physical damage. I consider smacking a child is wrong as it is unnecessary and that other methods of discipline would be much more effective.