This discussion, I would not call it a debate, is fundamentally about what the best way to raise children really is. Spanking children has not solved any problems as far as I know, I don't see why continuing the same action over again would provide better results.

Let's explore the problems before making conclusions. Where are children learning these violent behaviours from? Why do they believe violence is an acceptable solution? Why are teenagers dropping out of school- are they just lazy, or is there something deeper going on that can explain this trend? I myself am a high school drop-out; learning is one of my favourite activities. Laziness is not the reason why young people leave school.

In all of the scenarios put forward, I do not see how hitting a child will be beneficial. Do we want children to learn for themselves what is right, or do we want them to act on fear? If a child acts the way a parent wants, out of fear of physical punishment, why will they choose to do the right thing later on in life?

How do you get your kids back? The moment you use violence to try and control your child's behaviour, you have lost them. You are no longer their guide, their teacher, who they look up to in order to help them live in this world. Children are not naturally rebellious towards what their parents want for them, if they believe their parents want what's best for them. Violence and understanding do not coincide.

If your child has a problem- any problem- I assure you that with a small amount of effort you can find a more effective action to take than physical punishment. Take a parenting class, buy a book on parenting, ask other parents for spanking alternatives, even watch Super Nanny! Get the child involved in the process of creating a better solution; ask them questions, let them ask questions, listen to their suggestions, offer them explanations.

Clearly this "debate" is biased. We can understand that drawing the dichotomy as "discipline" vs. "warping children" is not neutral. Discipline does not need to be spanking, and "warping" is not a clear term. I am not against parents who think spanking is a good method, I am against parents who take no effort to research the facts and alternatives before spanking their children.

Please understand that my reason for posting is the welfare of children. I don't think that advocating non-violent parenting is cause for hostility- if anything it should be towards those who advocate more physical punishment than spanking. To all parents, I hope you find an effective solution to your and your child's frustrations- whether that includes using spanking or not.