). Obviously this taking sides can lead to an unfair situation for the child. Another factor in the misuse of corporal punishment is that it is, or shall we say should be, a violation of the childs rights. According to Carol Kreck, most states have laws forbidding the hitting of animals, prisoners, soldiers, and mental patients. It is astonishing that our children dont share these same rights. Secondly, corporal punishment teaches the wrong lesson. According to Dr. Gil Simon, a Sacramento pediatrician, spanking teaches children that violence solves problems and stimulates more bad behavior (Perkins). Children who are spanked also learn that hitting is an acceptable form of expressing anger (Haynes, 65). One might wonder if this might be the root of the violence problem in our society. If it is not the root, it is definitely an underlying factor. In recognition of this, many national organizations oppose corporal punishment. According to Kreck, these include The American Academy of Pediatrics, The National Education Association, The National Parent-Teacher Association, The American Bar Association, The American Medical Association, The Easter Seals Society, The National Coalition to Abolish Corporal Punishment in Schools, as well as many unnamed others. Dr. Irwin Hyman, Director of The National Center for the Study of Corporal Punishment and Alternatives adds to the argument against corporal punishment by stating that, Hitting merely suppresses behavior. It gets results in the short run, but doesn't teach morality. It only teaches fear (Perkins). Corporal punishment is also damaging to children. Since all children are different, it is impossible for an educator to know how hard to hit a particular child. A spanking that is thought to be beneficial could actually be abusive. Bruising, hitting in the back, and hitting the legs can easily occur when spanking children. Corporal punishment can also have profound psychological effects on child...
