http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politi ... 0672?f=rss

Not the best example of news reporting, but what do you make of the proposal?

I'd say it depends on the kid(s), and the parents trying everything else first...

Bad idea. You should be allowed to smack as a last resort.

+1

this is contradicting themselves when NHS like to smack newborn babys when they are first born to test if their senses work or something? when many claim its a method to introduce fear to the victim/baby

Smacking used to be using when a baby was born not breathing, as crying means the child is also breathing. Nowadays this isn't used, they put it in cold then hot (not too hot) water I believe. It may have changed again, but it was specifically used when a baby wasn't breathing.

Totally disagree, I think parents should be allowed to smack their children when all else fails. I'll be annoyed if this actually goes ahead.

As a father of 2 boys 4 & 7 I use smacking as a punishment where it is warranted.

I would also say that my children are far far better behaved than most of their friends, especially those whose parents don't smack.

Unfortunately, once again, we are being reduced to lowest common denominator law making - because 1 or 2 parents abuse their rights it gets banned outright.

TBH I feel terrible when I have smacked the kids, I REALLY don't like to do it - but there are times when it really is the only sensible course of action.

The state should only step in where the level of force becomes unreasonable .. .. and is likely to cause permanent damage or unnecessary suffering to a child.

In my view, much of the lack of control in classrooms and society in general is due to the balance of power shifting from adults to children - it is not acceptable and not fair to those children who do behave well.

Didge

What he said (apart from being a father of two boys!).

I seem to remember having this conversation on the Dennis forums.

I still believe that parents shouldn't smack their children - i think it sends out all the wrong signals, and shows that the parent has lost control.

I disagree entirely. A well measured smack can only be delivered under complete self-control. The problem is where it isn't controlled and it turns into a beating.

I was smacked a fair amount as a child, mostly on account of my being a complete little [LIFTED]. Never once did my parents lose control, and there was always a "making friends" moment afterwards.

And that's your opinion. One which you should be able to demonstrate as a parent. The issue here isn't "is smacking right or wrong", but why the [LIFTED] do Europe have to tell us how to be parents?

I was smacked with good reason many times as a child. It made me think about what I had done much more so that sitting on the naughty step would have done.

If they bring this in, I'll have nothing to do when telly is boring!

Seriously, I don't smack my kids, a strong word or raised voice invariably has the desired effect; but I reserve the right to smack them, if and when I think it is required, and bollox to anyone who thinks less of me because of it.

Euro-interference gets right up my bloody nose, I'd like to smack them.

Vote UKIP

</sarcasm>

Couldn't agree more.



Couldn't agree less. It's one of the things you'll learn when you have kids of your own.