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Spanking to Discipline children vs Spanking is Child Abuse

Lizbeth Hernandez-Benitez

West Coast University - Dallas

PHIL 341: Critical Reasoning

Professor: Paige Osborne Wegner

August 09, 2021

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Abstract

Misbehavior in children is inevitable, and every parent or guardian faces the challenge of

disciplining their child. Children need some limits and rules to monitor their behavior and

prevent them from going off track. To allow children to change their behavior, several positive

reinforcements such as time-outs, taking away privileges, and physical punishment are applied.

Physical punishment has raised a lot of concern, with many arguing whether it is necessary or not

(Waldrop, 2020). Putting this into consideration, spanking as a mode of discipline is the main

argument. There is a lot of debate concerning spanking. Parents, and even medical practitioners

have a divided opinion on this subject, some view spanking as an effective way of disciplining

children, while others view spanking as child abuse.

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Spanking to Discipline Children Vs Spanking is Child Abuse

As a parent or guardian, it is often considered a demanding task to encourage discipline

upon a child. Disciplining a child requires a lot of patience and time since one must evaluate

their child first before choosing which punishment is best appropriate for the mistake. It is

essential to learn and understand healthy and effective discipline strategies. In this regard,

spanking is among the discipline strategies frequently used to mold a child's behavior (Anastasi,

2018). This blog compares spanking as a way of disciplining children and spanking as a form of

child abuse. Basically, spanking involves the use of physical force to cause some pain to the

child but not injury. It is done to correct and monitor the behavior of the child. A recent study

shows that most parents and guardians do not enjoy spanking their children (Waldrop, 2020).

They only do it because it is the most effective disciplinary approach available to reduce

misbehaving in children, and no better response is available at that moment.

Arguments and Counterarguments

From recent developments, we can deduce that there is a divided opinion over spanking

as a mode of instilling discipline and correcting a child's behavior. 30% of caregivers, parents,

and guardians tend to support spanking as an excellent disciplinary method. The remaining

percentage (70%) massively oppose this belief, labeling physical abuse and corporal punishment.

Those who support spanking argue that it is a prevention to undesirable temperament and

behavior when this method is appropriately understood and administered (Connors-Nelson,

2021). Additionally, some children might willfully demonstrate disobedience and defy orders. In

this case, denying the child, some privileges might not work. It is therefore advised that spanking

is administered but not in a harsh manner. However, a child must always receive a clear warning

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before any offense that might merit a spanking. In this way, children understand why they

receive such disciplinary action.

Regardless, a more significant number of individuals argue against spanking. Spanking is

a form of physical discipline that poses severe risks to children. It can lead to increased

aggression, low self-esteem, bullying other kids, anxiety, antisocial behavior, mental health

issues, and bodily injury. In addition, medical practitioners oppose spanking, especially in infants

(D’Arrigo, 2021). Kids are likely to have a negative relationship with their parents since this

mode of punishment makes most children distressed and antisocial. Moreover, administering

physical punishment to children is viewed as a negative way of parenting. Most kids are

cooperative and self-controlled when their guardians use positive parenting techniques to punish

mischievous behavior (Anastasi, 2018). However, this is not the case for spanking. In some

cases, it is viewed as physical abuse that tends to impair cognitive development in children. For

example, a review conducted by the European-American agency showed that young children

who were spanked at 12 months or below reported cases of slow mental development.

Therefore, it is essential to employ non-violent disciplinary strategies to teach and

manage children's behavior to promote healthy development effectively. Additionally, guardians

are advised to concentrate on teaching good behaviors rather than punishing destructive

behaviors (D’Arrigo, 2021). Though spanking is sometimes recommended, it should not be done

to the extent of physical, emotional, and psychological torture to a child.

Evaluation

Inferring above, it is evident that both sides of the argument bear enough weight to

support their standing. Disciplining children through spanking is effective only when the parent

or guardian understands it. Spanking should be done with little emotions attached to limit any

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chances of physical abuse (Jameson & Lydock, 2020). Also, the child should be informed of why

the punishment might seem too extreme to avoid any stress and mental disorders. In contrast,

spanking is termed ineffective at times. It offers an unhealthy cycle to growing kids due to

aggression and anger. The parent-child relationship is violated, thus leading to more resentment

from kids. Children might also acquire physical marks due to extreme punishment, leading to a

mental breakdown and toxic stress. As a parent or guardian, it is recommended to control your

emotions before taking action on a child. Giving yourself time to regain your rationality is vital

to prevent the chances of extreme punishment for your child (Adkison-Johnson, 2021).

Nevertheless, a good parent-ship includes using other healthy strategies, having a listening ear,

responding rationally, and understanding the growth stages of a child.

Rhetoric Fallacies

“I turned out just fine”, is the most common fallacy that parents used in this argument. It

means that based on their personal experience they know what works and what doesn’t.

Parents who agreed with this method will rely on information that weights on their beliefs.

Critical thinking involves a comprehensive evaluation of information in a rational context

using facts and reasons supporting or failing to support your statements. Despite that,

downsides to critical thinking are always inevitable. On the other side of the argument,

parents who opposed the method of spanking their children will often say that “Parents who

spank their children do not care for them”. That is not what parents want to project to their

children, they think they spank them because they loved them, not because they want to abuse

their children. Fallacies involve the use of faulty reasoning based on an argument. Fallacious

arguments are often deceptive and intentionally manipulate the intended purpose of an idea to

favor a specific party. Fallacies appear in discussions appear when something subverts the

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known theoretical tendency. Though the reasoning might seem factual, it has no basis and is

often objective. For example, in our argument, spanking, at first, sight, is seen as a form of

corporal punishment (Connors-Nelson, 2021). For this reason, most people oppose it.

However, the fact is, spanking is only a disciplinary strategy and has no intentions of causing

harm.

Cognitive Biases

Cognitive biases also create difficulties for compelling arguments. A cognitive bias occurs when

individuals interpret information concerning what is around them. The decisions and judgments

they make only revolves around their brain without making any further considerations (Anastasi,

2018). Common cognitive biases used for these arguments are belief bias and confirmation bias.

Parents who approved the spanking method believed that the use of corporal punishment with the

purpose of causing a child to feel pain, but not injury is for the purpose of correcting the child’s

behavior. Parents believe this argument and confirm it basing on their own experiences, but this

cognitive bias can prevent a parent from making accurate decisions. The same applies for the

other side of the argument. Parents believe that spanking their children will only cause more

harm than correcting the child’s behavior. In arguments, vague language and cognitive biases are

inevitable. They appear when one party during an argument is self-centered and only pays

attention to facts that support their opinions (Adkison-Johnson, 2021). In most cases, individuals

allow their feelings to take control over them during arguments. Consequently, they become

irrational in their thinking and may tend to draw conclusions basing on their emotions.

Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Scientific and circumstantial evidence attracts its nature from inductive and deductive

reasoning. Inductive reasoning is defined by the supply of little evidence but not a full assurance

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of the reality. Experiences and observations, in this case, are learned from others; thus, it relies

on the probability of an event happening. For deductive reasoning, its conclusion is particular

and bases on the evidence given (Jameson & Lydock, 2020). It begins with a more general

approach then narrows down to the specific topic. To be precise, inductive reasoning makes sure

that the supposition of the argument is determined before a final conclusion is made.

Therefore, the quality of scientific and circumstantial research differs when inductive and

deductive reasoning is used. When inductive reasoning is utilized, circumstantial evidence might

be fallacious since it is based on assumptions and not explanations that are made. This is because

inductive reasoning operates in a bottom-up approach. In most cases it is open-ended and tends

to distance itself from the critical topic (Adkison-Johnson, 2021). In contrast, scientific evidence

of deductive reasoning attracts a more logical conclusion since it examines the assumption of a

statement carefully before making a final opinion about it.

Conclusion

From the above, it is evident that spanking is a controversial area of research. Though

some people see it as a way of disciplining children, others view it as a form of corporal

punishment and physical abuse. In my opinion, spanking is not the best way to discipline a child.

There are better and effective ways of inculcating morals compared to the use of physical power

(Waldrop, 2020). Spanking has various adverse effects; thus, using it might sound violation of a

child's rights. I would recommend parents, guardians, and caregivers to refrain from spanking.

Use of other disciplinary strategies such as denial of certain privileges, offering guidance and

counseling, monitoring your child, and taking a child for a break might be better than spanking.

There are many ways to encourage your child to adopt good behavior rather than

involving physical punishment. Most importantly, parents and guardians should always have a

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positive, healthy, and supportive relationship with their children (Waldrop, 2020). In this way,

children will always be aware of what is required from them. Therefore, good discipline involves

patience and building a trusting relationship that can help children understand that discipline is

not irrational but just a way of correcting unworthy behavior. If the child’s disruptive behavior

continues, speaking and seeking consultation from health professional is recommended. This will

facilitate to determine the possible causes of the child’s behavior.

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References

Adkison-Johnson, C. (2021). Child Discipline in African American Families: Culturally

Responsive Policies. Lexington Books.

Anastasi, J. (2018). The Halpern Critical Thinking Assessment. Inquiry: Critical Thinking

Across the Disciplines, 28(3), 13–17. https://doi.org/10.5840/inquiryct201328314

Connors-Nelson, C. (2021). Practical Critical Thinking - Problem-Solving, Reasoning, Logic,

Arguments (Grades 9–12). The Critical Thinking Co.

D’Arrigo, T. (2021). Spanking Linked to Aggression in Young Children. Psychiatric News,

56(6). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2021.5.13

Jameson, M., & Lydock, J. A. (2020). Critical Thinking: Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Explained. Marco Jameson.

Waldrop, J. (2020). Your Strong-Willed Child: A Positive Discipline Guide to Calm Your Strong-

Willed Child Without Extinguishing Their Inner Fire. Elkholy.

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