EVERY child will misbehave at times and some form of punishment will most likely be given by their parents. A little spank will certainly not harm a child, but in some cases a spank becomes a beating, which could cause injuries, both physically and mentally.
Last week a new court ruling was passed which makes spanking your child illegal in South Africa.
Local residents were asked what they thought of this and, surprisingly, not one who was interviewed agreed with the new court ruling.
“Discipline in schools and homes today is non-existent due to the fact that children have all the rights and parents and educators have none. While I do agree some parents and educators have gone overboard, they are in the minority. I believe in a hiding if it’s deserved. Today’s children don’t have to face consequences because there are no consequences! Sixties and ’70s children grew up getting a hiding and there’s nothing wrong with us,” said a Mulbarton resident.
A resident from Brackenhurst added, “I don’t agree with the new law that was passed. I believe discipline starts at home and I think the children these days don’t get enough discipline and it definitely shows in their behaviour. As I child I got hidings and my parents were a lot stricter with me compared to my siblings and I can see the difference.
“I don’t believe that anyone other than the child’s parent needs to implement the discipline and spanking and I don’t believe in bashing or beating your child. I agree a good hiding instills a firm foundation of what’s right and wrong. I also feel this is a touchy subject with many parents, depending on what generation they are from. It seems the majority of the older generation believe in hidings and the younger generations don’t. I guess it also depends on the ‘naughtiness’ of the child. You get downright disobedient children who need to have more than a few warnings and time-outs and then you get the children who understand right from wrong and don’t push the boundaries too much.
“I think it’s up to each individual parent to make decisions on spanking their children but I firmly say yes to spanking.”
A mother of two girls aged three and one said, “I don’t spank my children as a regular punishment, but there are times when I think it actually works. For instance, if my three-year-old suddenly tries to touch the braai, it doesn’t even occur to me to have a discussion with her about what the consequences would be. Giving her a smack stops her from doing whatever it is she was doing. I feel giving a spank on the buttocks or hands teaches them responsibility and obedience. Talking to a three-year-old hardly ever works because they just end up doing the same thing again. Maybe when she is a bit older, other forms of punishment will work better, but for now smacking works best.”
Michelle Staal from Glenvista said, “I think it is ludicrous. A child needs to be disciplined and if they get out of line the only way for them to realise they have done wrong is by a smack. I guarantee they will think twice before doing it again. The world is in the mess because of no discipline. I grew up in a generation where a hiding was the norm and I survived, as did all of my generation and ones before me. Why should this generation be any different?”
What are your views? Please email to: juliem@caxton.co.za
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