Physical Punishment

Physical punishment, specifically spanking or similar actions, can be an effective punishment and deterrent for childish misbehavior. If children do not respond seriously to verbal warnings or light punishment from teachers or parents, then a short, sharp stimulus, which inflicts pain but no lasting damage, is the last resort to cause the child to associate misbehavior with punishment - a crucial association in child development. Physical punishment must be used as part of a wider strategy and at the correct time: when other immediate discipline has failed; when the child understands their behavior and has had an opportunity to explain it; and after an initial warning and opportunity for the child to repent. Physical punishment provides an immediate response to indiscipline and that the student is quickly back in the classroom learning, rather than being suspended from school. If Physical punishment is correct, then the abandonment of spanking will greatly decrease youth rage and criminal activity among both teens and adults. Over the longer term, levels of clinical depression, clinical anxiety, alcohol and other drug addiction among adults will also decrease. Crucially, the person delivering the punishment must not be angry at the time. This undermines much of the hysterical argument against physical punishment. If physical punishment is administered in the presence of at least two adults, that greatly reduces the risk of violent abuse. At school, another teacher should be present; at home, both parents. As King Solomon said, "He who spareth his rod hateth his son, but he who loveth him is chasteneth him betimes."