Spanking Children Could Lead to Behavioral Problems
Spanking Children Could Lead to Behavioral Problems
5/4/2004
Research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that children younger than age 2 who are spanked by their parents are more likely to have behavioral problems in elementary school, ABC News reported May 3.
"Spanking children under the age of 2 puts those children into a higher-risk group for behavioral problems later," said Eric Slade, assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and co-author of the study.
For the study, 1,966 children from ethnically diverse households were surveyed. Mothers were asked about behavioral problems among their children.
Researchers were surprised to find that 39 percent of children younger than age 2 had been spanked at least once in the previous week. Slade recommended that parents reconsider the circumstances that lead to spanking. "Parents need to use their judgment about how spanking is used in their family and if spanking is obtaining the behavior they're looking for," he said.
Slade also said that teachers and school officials should be aware of previous physical punishment. "Educators should know there's a disciplinary history that precedes when they see children in school," said Slade. "There's a long history stretching back very early into the child's life."
The study is published in the May 2004 issue of Pediatrics.
RE: Spanking Children Could Lead to Behavioral Problems
I would guess the good Mr. (don't see a Dr.) Slade uses the same sloppy definitions that the anti-gunners use. "Spanking" likely is defined as ANY use of corporal punishment, from smacking the hands to a full out send 'em to the hospital beating. Kinda like "Youth" is defined in the studies about gun violence includes people to age 24.
Had a talk with a physcololgist some years back, and she asked my wife and I how we disciplined our children. We answered, "Verbal warning, then spanking." Obviously not happy with the answer, she asked how often they were spanked. When I answered, "I don't know, they are damned good kids," she answered back, "Well, that's good, because spanking is just another word for hitting." I told her that, no, SPANKING and HITTING were two entirely different words, and suggested she invest in an Oxford English dictionary so she would know the difference. Thought she had swallowed a lemon, by her face. She wasn't a happy camper, and she never could tell me any fact about why the words had the same meaning. Just her (at that point) worthless opinion based on FEELINGS, not rational thought.
RE: Spanking Children Could Lead to Behavioral Problems
Spanking children also prevents behavioral problems! BUT, the child MUST be intellectually mature enough to understand the why of it, and ways of avoiding getting into the kinds of situations which can result in a spanking! I suspect that any adult who spanks a child under the age of two might be an abuser who hits the kid when there are no reasons, as well as when there are! And, like you say, spanking and hitting/beating are not the same thing at all!
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RE: Spanking Children Could Lead to Behavioral Problems
Good Post eldeguello,
I was thinking the same thing. I have a daughter who's almost 4, and my wife and I have spanked her maybe 6 times total. Started when she was about 2 1/2, and she knew the difference between right & wrong.
I'm not sure a baby under the age of 2 has the mental memory to recognize and remember right from wrong, and the reasoning behind any punishment. Of course, this is an independent trait within any child, so some will understand while others will not...
Seems like a valid survey...good to see that more young parents, like myself, have taken back successful parenting skills with the incorporation of spanking.
BUT, it's also a little disheartening to see such a large percentage of parents handing out physical punishment at ages where most children do not understand. Especially recognize the fact that these spankings would be a recurring theme, as it occurred in 39% of the cases the previous week, indicating a somewhat regular occurrence.
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RE: Spanking Children Could Lead to Behavioral Problems
Although I rarely need to do so....trust me, when my son has his fanny paddled he gets the message loud and clear. I'm only talking about 1-2 swats that hurt his pride more than anything. It is amazing how quickly that gets his attention, and he has learned the lesson that was being taught. It is something I hate to do, but will do when needed.
An interesting point I read recently where a child psychologist said that spanking would emotionally hurt a child. Then they interviewed a police officer and his reply...if most parents would spank their children when age and offence appropriate " it would make our job much easier". Kudos to that officer! Please note that I firmly believe that a few swats on the behind are much different than beating, and abuse of a child. To not discipline appropriately is a form of abuse and neglect IMHO. I have also found taking away a favorite toy, privledge etc can have wonderful results.....but still will spank when needed, and I never spank out of anger.
I do not take it to the extremes my parents did ie: using a belt, and spanking to extreme on occaision. However....perhaps I deserved most of what I received..just not that harshly. I turned out pretty dang good.
Throw away the dang books and do what is needed....this world would be a much better place IMHO if more parents just used some basic discipline.
And my friends welcome my son into their homes anytime, and anywhere...he is a good kid, and one that I am exceedingly proud of!
Spanking Children Could Lead to Behavioral Problems
