Spanking: Borderline Child Abuse

A corporal punishment or otherwise called a spanking is a quick strike or swat to the buttocks with an open hand or object. This action is usually administered to children as a form of punishment to afflict a poor behavior or action. Spanking is a controversial subject between parents and researchers. This form of punishment is considered borderline child abuse because of its negative outcomes and effects. Parents who use corporal punishments on their children can cause poor behavior in school, development problems, and aggressive behaviors in general.
Few parents agree that corporal punishment is a type of child abuse. When used properly and in the correct circumstances, spanking can be an effective form of punishment. A spanking that is received when a parent is calm, rather than when the parent is angry and quick to action is more controlled and stable (Spank or Not to Spank). Verbal punishment can be more harmful than physical ones. Being verbally assaulted can cause self-esteem or emotional issues (When Parents Lift Their Hands). Frequent uses of verbal punishments can become ineffective and hurtful as it can attack a child’s sense of pride and
“Spanking can escalate toward physical abuse, potentially injuring the child, and can contribute to later emotional and behavioral problems according to the American Academy of Pediatrics” (Parents Lift Their Hands). Children who were spanked frequently absorb this behavior of physically lashing out when they are upset, using force to solve their problems. As the children get older, these aggressive behaviors can become more serious as they begin to exemplify around friends and family. The adults who were admitted to corporal punishments as children are more likely to be involved in domestic violence with their partners (Spank or Not to Spank). The more often children are spanked the more aggressive they will most likely become (When Parents Lift Their