Definition Of Corporal Punishment & Child Abuse

The American Academy of Pediatrics affirms that child discipline is a healthy and necessary part of good parenting. Your child needs you to set appropriate boundaries for him and correct him when his behavior is inappropriate. However, your disciplinary action should be a teachable moment in which the child can learn from his mistakes and maintain his sense of acceptance and self-worth.

Corporal Punishment Defined

The National Association of School Nurses defines corporal punishment as "intentional infliction of physical pain as a method of changing behavior." This can include hitting, shaking or slapping, either with the hand or with an object, such as a paddle or a belt. Corporal punishment becomes abuse if it causes injury to the child. As of 2010, 29 states have outlawed its use within the school system, and 19 countries, including Germany, New Zealand, Sweden and Croatia, have outlawed the practice in the home.

Corporal Punishment Opponents

Experts are divided on whether corporal punishment is both innocuous and effective. A 2009 study conducted by Duke University psychologist Lisa Berlin showed that toddlers who were spanked developed aggressive behavioral patterns in later years. The study was published in the journal "Child Development." The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees with this assessment and strongly advises against hitting a child for any reason. The academy also asserts that, while corporal punishment may temporarily halt the offensive behavior, it does not teach the child an alternative. It also may break down trust and communication between parent and child.

Corporal Punishment Advocates

The American College of Pediatrics takes the opposite stance on corporal punishment and ascertains that moderate use can be effective if utilized in conjunction with other forms of behavior modification. Dr. Den Trembull of the organization further advises that "spanking is most appropriate with children 2 to 6 years old, and when milder types of correction have failed." Likewise, University of California, Berkley psychologist Diana Baumrind came to a different conclusion regarding corporal punishment's ill effects. In her 2001 study, spanking, which she defines as an occasional, open-handed swat on the buttocks, arms or legs, produced no more detrimental effects than verbal punishment.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any act perpetrated upon a child that causes injury to the child, regardless of the intent of the act. This can occur when an angry parent or caregiver lets his corporal punishment efforts go too far and his strikes leave bruises, marks, cuts or welts on the child's body. Physical abuse can also include deliberate harm such as burning, biting or twisting of arms and legs. Physically abused children often exhibit particular behaviors in connection to their abuse. For example, they may be uncomfortable with physical touch, they may act out aggressively or withdraw from others, or they may express a fear of going home.

Neglect and Emotional Abuse

Child neglect occurs when a parent or caregiver does not provide adequate care and protection for the child. This includes providing shelter, food, medical attention and necessary supervision. Emotional or verbal abuse involves the absence of positive emotional interaction with the child and the use of demeaning, shaming or overly critical verbal attacks. While these kinds of abuses inflict no physical bruises, they hinder the development of the child's self-confidence, her sense of safety and her ability to enter into healthy relationships with others.