Corporal punishment in homes may be outlawed.
A children's rights lobby group wants spanking to become a criminal offence, the Sunday Times reported.
The Children's Rights Project, based at the University of the Western Cape, made the proposal last month. It has asked the department of social development to ban corporal punishment in homes.
The issue is to be discussed, along with others, in a debate which seeks to provide children with more rights according to the Children’s Act, the Department spokesperson confirmed.
Abuse vs. rebellion?
Child abuse is a major concern to the department, although parents who insist that spanking their children is their right are resisting this threat to their parenting style. Parents also cite disobedience and rebellion amongst children as reasons of for spanking being necessary.
Parents who would welcome possible amendments recommend non-violent methods of discipline.
Should the discussions result in amendments to the Children’s Act, using any kind of corporal punishment would become a crime, including the use of a cane, slipper, hand, wooden spoon or some other object when disciplining a child.
What do you think? Is spanking child abuse or a necessary parenting tool?
By: Scott Dunlop