mls88br asked this question on 2/21/2000:

Is spanking a child Child Abuse?

Cntrygrl gave this response on 2/22/2000:

What a "HOT" topic! I don't believe that spanking a child is Child Abuse, UNLESS the "spanking" turns into actually "beating" the child! If your frustration and anger are being taken out on the child by "spanking" the child harder with each contact to the child't body, then yes, it would more than likely be considered Child Abuse by the authorities. You have to give extreme thought as to why are you "spanking" this child - is it because "you" had a hard day at work? Were "you" cut-off driving home perhaps? These are just a couple of questions, or should I say thoughts, that need to be taken into consideration! I believe that children need to be disciplined, but I've personally seen parents that use these "time-out" sessions, and they do absolutely nothing to hinder the behavior of the child repeating the incident!! All the child is thinking about is how much longer do I have to sit here...I want to go play, or do whatever he/she was doing prior to the time-out. I would also suggest to you to contact your local authorities to see what they consider to be Child Abuse. They may suggest also for you to contact the state you are living in. Hope this helps a bit!! Good luck!

The average rating for this answer is 5.

mls88br rated this answer a 5.