Basic interactive presentation

Building the perfect child

Is child abuse the best form of discipline?

What is Child abuse?

Child abuse is when a child is intentionally harmed by an adult or another child – it can be over a period of time but can also be a one-off action. It can be physical, sexual or emotional and it can happen in person or online. It can also be a lack of love, care and attention – this is neglect.

Current laws

It is unlawful for a parent or carer to smack their child. There is however a defence available to a parent or person acting in loco parentis where the smack amounts to “reasonable punishment” This defence is laid down in Section 58 of the Children Act 2004

Pros and cons

• can cause physical harm to the child
• can cause emotional harm to the child
• can damage the parent - child relationship
• children still may not listen after physical abuse - then what are you doing?

• immediate response
• traditional
• 'can be efective'

• Hitting a partner? Domestic Violence
• Hitting an animal? Animal cruelty
• Hitting a Coworker? Workplace assualt
• Hitting an elder? Elder abuse
• Hitting a child? CHILD ABUSE

If they are old enough to understand their behaviour, reason with them. If they're not old enough to reason with, then why are you hitting them...