When spanking becomes a beating, the parents are bullies. The recent YouTube video of the Texas judge beating his daughter is a horrific view of child abuse and parental bullying. What do parents think about this? Should the judge be face charges for this beating?
What Parents are Saying:
"I was actually horrified and saddened to see the brutality this father used for punishment. I believe we should guide our children with positive reinforcement. It is our job to give them love and support but also teach them." - O'Fallon, Mo.
"I am the mother of 3 boys and 1 girl. Yes, I think this will encourage teens to hide video cameras because kids would never even think to do that until someone or the public has brought it to their attention, I'd say a spanking becomes a beating when it is used passed the age of 5 or 6 and is done on a regular bases. A regular bases meaning 5-6 times a week."
"I have received spankings since I can remember. I believe it has made me a better person and has helped me to learn respect for authority. That being said I have never been beaten. Beating occurs when the authority figure has lost his/her temper to the point where he/she is blinded by rage. A beating is when the child does not understand why he/she is receiving the punishment. A beating is when the belt or hand is used in an excessive manner."
Should the Judge Face Charges for This Beating?
While the first reaction is "yes, he should be prosecuted" parents are concerned about the definition of "beating". Without this definition, teens could use video cameras to capture a spanking, a parent holding a teen still with a hand on one shoulder, or any physical contact hoping to embarrass or use against the parent. Parents do have the right and obligation to enforce rules and disciplines in order to teach kids boundaries, respect and action consequence.
Although what this judge did is unthinkable, parental rights could be challenged so that parents will begin to fear responsibly punishing their children. To prevent this, punishment caught on tape should only be used by authorities to follow up on allegations. In Missouri, a false child abuse report is a misdemeanor, and if the same petitioner files subsequent false reports, it is a felony. In Texas, child abuse is a Class B misdemeanor.
If the judge faces charges, it should be in family court and under the definition of child abuse. Missouri defines child abuse as: Any physical injury, sexual abuse, emotional abuse inflicted on child other than by accidental means by caregiver (spanking in a reasonable manner not included)
So when does spanking in a reasonable manner become a beating? Parents consistently believe that anger, bullying and parental loss of control will escalate a simple spanking to a beating. As parents, we have the responsibility to guide our kids, teaching them right and wrong, teaching kids self-control and raising kids to become healthy responsible adults.
Find Child Abuse Laws by State
Read more about child abuse:
Loving Our Kids On Purpose
Child abuse: Neglect, Parental control and School attendance
Abuse: Throw Away Kids
Parenting Styles: Parent styles affect how teenagers behave
When Teens Push Parents, Parents Push Back
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