So…what about spanking?

Our Summer 2007 issue of the PCAMN newsletter Prevention Works carried an article looking at both sides of the spanking debate. We did not take a position on that article at that time because we were in the midst of creating a statement of our position. Philosophically, we have understood that spanking is not only not successful in teaching the life affirming behaviors we want in out children long term, but that there are many other methods of teaching discipline available to parents.

We understand that there is a continuing debate out there, but we are not conflicted in our point of view. At their March 2007 meeting, our Board of Directors passed the following resolution:

Whereas, research indicates that while spanking may accomplish some short term positive outcomes, it also can create long term problems we may not expect or want (Elizabeth Thompson Gershoff, Columbia University, 2002); and

Whereas, the American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that “spanking teaches aggression and is no more effective than other forms of punishment”; and

Whereas, spanking our children crosses a threshold toward violence that is best not crossed in a peaceful and humane society and enters the world of violence that teaches our children that when you are bigger or stronger you can violate the personal space of others; and

Whereas, we now have many more effective methods of discipline than spanking (Ron Pitzer, eight year study coordinated by the University of Minnesota’s Extension Service in Goodhue County, 2002),

Therefore, be it resolved that Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota strongly discourages the spanking of children and

Be it further resolved that PCAMN will provide information on alternatives to spanking to parents, grandparents, and caregivers with whom PCAMN has contact.

As I have reflected on the alarming violence in our society, it is impossible for me not to think of spanking as opening the door to violence in our children. I have heard many speakers recently affirm the position that “violence begins in the home”. What do our children learn from a spanking? They learn that it is OK to hit someone if you think you have a good reason; they learn to fear and they learn to lie. Spanking a child breaks a threshold into the child’s personal space that cannot be replaced. Often, one spanking makes another easier. It also may lead to harder or more impulsive physical punishments and possible physical abuse.

There are many alternatives to spanking and the article in this newsletter by Kathy Olson presents that perspective. Let’s stop it now. We can decrease the violence in our society by eliminating violence in our homes. My wish for all our children is a lifetime free of violence.