Should Smacking Children Be Illegal?

[Iani]

Interesting debate

Not so long ago, this was on a tv show - This Morning I think, and they had a pro smacking guy being interviewed. He came out with the most ridiculous, desperate and (to me) sickening load of rubbish phrase I've possibly ever heard....... giving the children a "loving smack".

WTF!
Just be a man and say it - I hit my children because I think it's the best sort of discipline available, because their minds aren't developed enough to understand reasoning and explanation to the undesirability of their current actions, and therefore painful shock treatment is what I believe in. I don't like doing it, I love them to bits obviously, but they are kids and it's the only way I think works.
Loving smack? I've never heard anything so stupid!

Now this isn't my personal opinion necessarily - it's just my opinion of this man who was on the tv.

This however is where such a debate can split. I imagine too many parents hit their children out of their own frustrations and temper, rather than a discipline thing.
It also must always be remembered - children don't have anywhere as near a matured social and moral reasoning as adults.
If children ruled the country, we would be at war every day.

Would smacking children though still happen if adults were small and helpless, and children were big strapping blokes?

[joebloggs]

Would smacking children though still happen if adults were small and helpless, and children were big strapping blokes?

true, your just bullying your own kids and they are living in fear of the next 'little slap' when they do something wrong.

being 6ft2" and 16stone, i don't want 4ft, 4 stone little joe ever to fear his dad

[Ako Si Jamie]

true, your just bullying your own kids and they are living in fear of the next 'little slap' when they do something wrong.

being 6ft2" and 16stone, i don't want 4ft, 4 stone little joe ever to fear his dad

It seems like you anti-smackers think that refraining from smacking will produce the perfect child, Joe.

I was smacked regularly but was never ever in fear, although I did learn my lesson.

[joebloggs]

It seems like you anti-smackers think that refraining from smacking will produce the perfect child, Joe.

I was smacked regularly but was never ever in fear, although I did learn my lesson.

and a 'little smack' creates the perfect child , as you was smacked more than once, it probably wasn't a deterrent then

also violence is never the answer, time will tell, but up to now I've never thought of, never mind actually smacking my kids, the misses, or even kicked the dog

[Ako Si Jamie]

and a 'little smack' creates the perfect child

Not saying that at all. So long as the child is treated fairly, gets plenty of love and attention and doesn't get spoilt and have it's own way all the time, I reckon you're well on the way to having a decent kid in the making, whether or not they get smacked.