Fractured skulls. Broken bones. Burns, bruises and internal bleeding...and a nonviolent spanking to reprimand? Child abuse has been a problem for many years, however it wasn't until last year that it was redefined to liken the simple act of spanking to the evils of gross neglect, malice and major bodily harm upon a child.
Recently on September 12, 2012 the state of Delaware became the first state in our Nation to outlaw discipline of children by their parents. Senate Majority Leader Patricia sponsored the notion. Legislation created a definition of the term "physical injury" in child abuse and neglect laws to include "pain." This law permits parents to use force with their children as a form of punishment, but prohibits them to use any act that may cause or does cause injury. Defining "physical injury" to include the infliction of pain on a child, thus making spanking in Delaware a crime. Any parent causing "physical injury" (for example pain) to a child under the age of 18 will subject to one year in prison and will be charged with a misdemeanor.
Truth Hack interviewed several random participants, asking how they felt about Delaware's decision to outlaw spanking. Hope, a mother that was interviewed said, " If this law were in California I would be in jail already! Kids need a strong hand to learn that there are consequences to their actions." (NKJV) Proverbs 13:24 says, "Whoever spares the rod hates his son but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." The Bible teaches us that we should correct our children, and discipline is a way of correction. America was founded on Christian values, and now the government is ignoring Christian belifes and taking away everyone's rights to discipline our children. Of course there is a fine line between abuse and discipline, and people misuse the term discipline to justify their abusive behavior. "I don't spank. I use time out and restrictions to discipline my son but I wouldn't define spanking as a child abuse. I think that spanking is a parenting decision. It should be a parents right not a governmental decision. I don’t think this law will get anywhere beyond Delaware." Monica explained, after answering a question from Truth Hack.
After interviewing many mothers and couples, there were about half that used other methods besides spanking as a form of discipline, and the other half used spanking as their method. But all felt as though spanking was not, in their opinion considered abuse. Are we as Americans losing our rights as parents while the government gains more strength? I do not in any way condone child abuse. I do believe that the wisdom God has provided us should be applied while training children. And we should not lose our rights as Americans, to use spanking as a form of discipline. Excessive and intentional harm on a child should remain illegal following other consequences due to abusive behavior.
Proverbs 1:8-9" Hear, my son, your fathers instruction and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck." God commands us to correct, and train children, with love, and the government has no right to take away this right from caring parents.
A special thanks to:
Monica
Hope
Isabel
Daniel
Robert
Tamitra
Edward
Janet
Constance
Ben
The members of Truth Hack appreciate you for participating in our recent survey on Child Abuse.
Well said. I am not a parent, but I was a kid once who had the willful desire to disobey orders. And sometimes the only way of getting the message across that I am not to disobey orders was that pain of a spanken.
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