The subjectivity of defining "child abuse"

[KDCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

As long as it is only a few times swat and it is over clothing?

There are families (and cultures) where it will always be more than a few times or that few times will be strong enough to leave a mark (at least a whelp). And removing the clothes, either completely or the pants, is standard.

There are also people who will report a parent for child abuse for "swatting a few times over clothing".

No child protective services is going to issue a complaint or keep a case open over a few swats on the bottom over clothing.

Psychology is a science. Many, many studies have shown that discipline that leaves marks that last several days is harmful to children from a developmental and psychological perspective. People don't get to maintain their traditions at the expense of a child's long term psychological health.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

There is evidence that any violent discipline is detrimental to child development.

Right, on what is this evidence based?

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

Reasonable people will disagree about whether it is appropriate to swat a child.

It is this disagreement between "reasonable people" that furthers the debate over corporal punishment.

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I think you will be hard pressed to find a majority that agree with spanking to the point of whelps and bruises.

If you are in a culture in which that is the standard, the majority within that culture will agree with spanking to the point of whelps and bruises.

Originally Posted by KDCat

No child protective services is going to issue a complaint or keep a case open over a few swats on the bottom over clothing.

Yes, some law enforcement and CPS will. If someone saw the interaction and felt it was too violent/aggressive and/or the child describes the incidents in a certain way.

[DrPhil]

Don't Rush to Judge Parents Who Use a Switch to Discipline Kids

[TonyB06]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Don't Rush to Judge Parents Who Use a Switch to Discipline Kids

^Probably the most balanced piece I've read on the issue during this current spate of coverage.

also...

http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/a...-and-religion/