Most say smacking children different to physical abuse

THE controversial “to smack or not to smack” debate has been ignited across the country, following calls for Australia to outlaw physical discipline of kids.

THE ever-controversial "to smack or not to smack" debate has been ignited across the country, following calls for Australia to outlaw physical discipline of children.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians wants smacking children deemed a crime, citing research that claims corporal punishment can have a detrimental impact on children.

The group lists depression, anxiety, aggressive or antisocial behaviour, substance use problems and abuse of their own children or spouse as possible effects of being smacked as a youngster.

Further studies show most Australian parents admit to smacking their children, however the figure has declined from 75% in 2002 to 69% in 2006.

The Daily News took the issue to Facebook yesterday and asked readers to share their views on whether a smack was an appropriate punishment.

While the majority were against the move to outlaw the smack, there was a strong emphasis on highlighting the difference between abuse and smacking.

Anne-Maree Bridge said disciplining a child with a smack was different to physical abuse.

"People do realise there is a difference between a smack on the bum or fingers, which doesn't hurt but more so gives the child a shock, and violently flogging a child?" she asked.

"(It is) teaching them that there are rules in life that have to be followed and if you break those rules there is a consequence."

Helena Moore agreed that smacking was ok "if it was called for".

"I bet jail time would hurt a hell of a lot more than a smack," she said.

"I bet if I was smacked or caned back in the day for something I did wrong, I'd think twice before doing it again.

"Problem with the world today, there is no punishment harsh enough to make people think twice about their actions. Slap on the wrist and away they go to reoffend."

Those who said no to corporal punishment said there were other ways to discipline a child.

Kaleena Marriott said no matter what title you gave it, smacking and hitting were abuse.

"How about giving kids respect? Treating them as humans instead of anything less," she said.

Angie Owens agreed and said hitting a child was never an acceptable form of punishment.

"It's not ok to hit anyone else, so why should we hit the smallest, most vulnerable people?

"Children need discipline, not punishment, and hitting children teaches them that it's ok to hit and intimidate someone smaller than them."