Smacking 'too often seen as the easy option'
The debate on whether or not it is right to smack children is high on the agenda, following a letter to The Daily Telegraph in which RCPCH President Professor Terence Stephenson argues:
'Children should be provided with the same protection against physical assault as adults, and aside from being unnecessary, smacking is generally a very ineffective deterrent to bad behaviour. Instead, every effort should be made to educate, inform and support positive parenting that uses acceptable forms of discipline and boundary-setting, which have more effect.'
He continues:
'Smacking is too often seen as the easy option. Sadly, as paediatricians, we see all too often today’s smack become tomorrow’s punch. Each year in Britain up to 100 young children die or are disabled from inflicted injuries, almost always by someone known to them.'
Professor Stephenson was interviewed on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio London and LBC - and his comments made The Telegraph's front page. The story was covered by a number of other outlets including Radio 4, Radio 5, a number of regional radio stations and discussion forums.
Article:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9053182/Smacking-never-right-say-doctors.html
Letter to The Telegraph:
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