Child abuse

If they bleed or become physically hurt, then it is abuse. Spanking is perfectly legal, though.

Every country have different laws, different jurisprudence on every issue. Some countries do not have laws that specifically punishes any person, including parents or teachers who would lay hands on children. Other states are explicit in this issue and have statutes regarding child abuse. Here in my county, child abuse can be physical or emotional. It can be in the form of simple beating to hard beating. A child who is slapped in the face whether it be for the purpose of disciplining him can rightfully file a complaint and seek redress in courts for the injuries he has sustained. Same is true when harsh words or degrading statements are directed against the child is abuse already.The vulnerability of the child to abuses is what the laws seek to protect. i've never been abused as a child. Thank GOD i was lucky. I've had my share of some whips from mom or dad but i don't consider them as an abuse at all. I don't have real injuries as a result of such whippings.

I think it is a parent's prerogative on whether or not to spank their children, but personally, I don't think it works. It teaches children that hitting is okay, and most parents spank while they are angry. I always learned never to spank a child while angry because it teaches them that hitting in anger is acceptable. Time outs really seem to work with most kids.

Abuse is hard to define. To say "if they bruise then its abuse" can be wrong because two children can be hit the same way and one may bruise while the other may not. I don't think that "slapping and hitting" should be discipline. Slapping and hitting are done reactively and out of anger or frustration. Dicsipline should be consistent and done in a manner of teaching, not anger. I was abused by my birthfather as a child. The difference between what he did and what my mother did is clear. She would spank me, and when I mouthed off I'd get popped in the mouth. He would throw me across the room, hold me against a wall and choke me, punch me in the leg, or throw things at me.