I think there's a difference between smacking and spanking. Smacking a child across the backs of the legs for instance, though I am not 'in favour' of it, is entirely understandable to me. Systemised 'spanking' or beating isn't. Not because of the 'violence' involved: after all, I am sure many of those parents who do use spankings, probably pull back somewhat and aren't necessarily attempting to cause massive amounts of pain. What makes it unacceptable, to my mind, is the humiliation that such a spanking involves. I see no reason, regardless of how angry the parent or how badly behaved teh child to tackle the problem by humiliating that child. I can't see how that might help.
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