Spank that misbehaving kid 10 times, and be sure to leave some bruising and redness. That’s what would be allowed under a proposed Kansas House bill if it passes. Its author says it would restore children’s respect for authority and the rights of parents who currently can spank their children as long as they don’t leave any marks. It would apply to teachers, as well as any caregivers.
It doesn’t matter that research has shown that time out is more effective than spanking, or that it would still be illegal to use fists or belt on a child, or that 30 other states ban spanking altogether. Personally, I subscribe to the theory that violence begets violence–that spanking or hitting a child teaches him or her that violence is appropriate. I think there’s enough violence in the world without laws that perpetuate it.
