Kansas “Spanking Bill” attracts controversy
In 2014, a Kansas state legislator proposed a bill that would allow parents, teachers, and other caregivers to legally spank a wayward child hard enough to leave marks and bruises on their skin.
The bill—dubbed the “Spanking Bill”—was put forward by Rep. Gail Finney, a Democrat from Wichita. According to Finney, the bill would still outlaw hitting a child with a closed fist, implement such as a belt or wooden spoon, or beating and punching children. Instead, she told the Wichita Eagle, the bill is designed to clearly define corporal punishment. It allows “up to 10 forceful applications in succession of a bare, open-hand palm against the clothed buttocks of a child…acknowledging that redness or bruising may occur on the tender skin of a child as a result.”
The bill, House Bill 2699, would also allow parents to give permission to caregivers such as teachers and babysitters to spank their children.
“What’s happening is there are some children that are very defiant and they’re not minding their parents,” Finney told her hometown paper. “They’re not minding school personnel.”
The bill is surprising because it goes against a national trend away from all forms corporal punishment, including spanking. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), a “growing body” of research is showing the negative side effects of spanking. The APA cites a number of studies showing that spanking leads to “increased aggression, antisocial behavior, physical injury and mental health problems for children.” Nevertheless, despite decreased use of spanking over the past few decades, surveys still show that up to two-thirds of parents approve of the use of physical punishment for children.
Reviewed by Dr. Eva Benmeleh, September 2020
Takeaways
- Kansas House Bill 2699, also known as the “spanking bill,” is designed to clearly define corporal punishment.
- Rep. Gail Finney said it’s for children that don’t mind their parents or school personnel.
- Despite a decrease in spanking over the years, most parents still approve of physical punishment.
Interesting to hear from two teachers- I hadn’t really considered how teachers may feel about spanking in schools and was only thinking from a parent’s perspective. I assume teachers have the freedom to develop their own discipline policy as long as it’s in line with state law and school policy? In other words, if state law says teachers can spank (with parental permission even), a teacher has the choice to use spanking as an option or not.
I strongly recommend against spanking or corporal punishment of any kind. Studies have shown limited benefit using spanking as a discipline policy. Spanking sends a clear message to a child that hitting is okay as long as the person hitting is bigger and stronger. It fosters fear and resentment and does not support positive behavior changes. If your child is out of control and you are beginning to see spanking as your only effective option, please seek some advice from experts. You pediatrician and family at Bundoo are happy to help.
This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! I don’t think it is ok for anyone, including a child’s parent, to leave a bruise on a child. There are better ways to discipline that do not include violence!
This shocks and concerns me both as a parent and as a professional. First, as a parent I would never want any caregiver to use spanking as a form of discipline on my children. This goes beyond what I feel is ethical and appropriate. Spanking, even in the confines of ones own home can have negative and potentially lasting effects. This is not a form of punishment to be conducted in public or a social setting. Furthermore, as a professional it further blurs the lines of what and how to report child abuse. As a licensed mental health professional I am a mandated reporter of abuse. We are taught that hitting a child so hard that it leaves a bruise or a lasting mark is a reportable offense. It is not our job to investigate the event or degree of the abuse, but to report it so the Department of Children and Family Services can determine if further action needs to be taken to help this child and family. If this law is passed, my concern is that this line will be so blurred that less will be reported and fewer children needing help will be identified.
Everyone has different parenting styles and I’m totally okay with spanking your child if absolutely necessary. I rarely do it to my children, but see no problem for those who choose that as their own personal method of discipling. However, being a teacher myself, I think this is stepping over the line. A teachers job is to educate and act as a role model for children. Yes, we do discipline children when needed, but I would in no way feel comfortable putting my hands on someone else’s child. There are other methods that are just as effective. Children should not be afraid of their teacher, but instead see he/she as someone they look up to. With that said, I am 100% against this “Spanking Bill.”
I completely agree with Melissa. I totally believe in spanking when necessary but a teacher…… Get real…… Not in this lifetime!!!!!!!!
I think this is crazy! As a parent, I do believe in spanking when it is absolutely necessary but I would never allow a teacher or caregiver to spank my child. As a teacher, I would feel very uncomfortable spanking someone else’s child and I would be very curious if this bill did pass, how many teachers would actually follow through with it.