Opinion: We must let parents discipline their children
Banning all forms of corporal punishment is dangerous, and part of the reason our society is breaking down, writes Nick Dametto. VOTE IN OUR POLL
Opinion
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At a time when youth crime is spiralling out of control, we have the Queensland Law Reform Commission considering proposals that would make it illegal for parents to discipline their own children.
The idea of banning all forms of corporal punishment is dangerous, and in my view, part of the reason why our society is breaking down.
Reasonable discipline is not abuse. Parents who give their child a smack on the backside for lying, swearing, or running onto a busy road aren’t criminals.
They’re doing their job by raising kids to understand boundaries, consequences, and respect.
Without these lessons at home, we’re only pushing the responsibility onto teachers, police officers, and courts at a stage when it is far too late to have a meaningful impact.
I find it disgusting that a comparison has been drawn between a parent’s right to discipline their child, and slavery or domestic violence.
These are outrageous, ideological comparisons that insults every decent parent across Australia trying to raise respectful, responsible children in a world full of poor values and bad influences.
As a parent, you are meant to be the authority in your household. You are not your child’s equal. Your job is to guide, correct, and, when necessary, discipline. This can be done with care and firmness.
This growing idea that children should be shielded from every form of discomfort or consequence is nothing more than neglect dressed up as progress.
If a dog bites someone, there are consequences.
But in today’s society, we’re apparently meant to let children run wild.
We are failing the next generation by refusing to set limits, and it shows in our schools, workplaces and on the streets.
The answer is not to criminalise parenting, but to allow freedom of choice.
Parents should be free to raise their children in the way, and with the methods, that they see fit.
Of course this should be within reason, but it also should be without fear of prosecution every time they enforce rules or discipline.
Nick Dametto is deputy state leader of Katter’s Australian Party and Member for Hinchinbrook
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