Is this child abuse?

Question

Is whipping a child with a belt considered child abuse in the state of Texas? Where would I find literature that says this?

Answer 1

OF COURSE!

It's child abuse everywhere, not just in Texas

Answer 2

NO I work for the State Of Texas in Child Protective Services and if the child is whipped because of Discipline this is not CHILD ABUSE. Every child should be whipped if they are making mistakes. Look at the world today and you can tell a lot of the things that go on in this world is because they weren't whipped or disciplined as a child. I was whipped when I was a child with a belt and I turned out fine. My brother got whippings and he turned out OK. Child Abuse is open hand or close hand to the face, back, stomach, and things of that sort. Whippings with belts are not CHILD ABUSE and NO it should be considered ABUSE. Children need discipline and being that I work for Child Protective Services we all stand by disciplining the child.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about your state. I do believe in spanking my children. It works for them but not all children. My children have been complimented by several people about their manners and behavior. My new husband grew up in a home that talked everything out and never yelled. He tried this with the children and now they are not as well behaved. They feel there is no concequences to their behaviors other than a few words or staring at a wall. Spanking is quick and it is something a child should not want again. When they are throwing a tantrum and we are late for school, I don't have time to place them in time out! When we are in a store and the child is running away acting crazy, do I make them stand in a corner? Yes, I could wait until I get home but how much more misbehaving could go on? They would forget why they were put in time out to begin with. Spanking is a form of disipline that can be done anywhere and does not take a long time to do. I feel it is very effective. It worked for me and for my children. The key is not to beat the child. No bruises. I also do not do it in front of their siblings or friends. This is a private matter between the parents and the child. Most of the time when we spank our children, if both parents are home, we both are in the room to support the other. This also lets the child know that both parents agree on the disipline. Children have to learn about the choices they make and that every choice has a consequence - good or bad. Always make sure they know what they have done wrong and other ways they could have handled the situation.

Answer 4

Of course this is abuse. What's wrong w/ using the hands were are born w/. No adult would like it if people went around whipping others w/ belts just so they could make their point. A spanking hurts a child already, there is no need to whip any child just to learn a lesson. The sad thing is some parents don't know the difference. Plus when spanking a child the parent needs to control his/her own strength, some spank their children way too hard.

Answer 5

Here's some information I found on the site for the Attorney General of Texas in regards to Child abuse. It looks like there's a possibility this wouldn't be considered abuse in Texas (eash state DOES have their own laws and guidelines) But you can always report it anyway just to be safe :)

"Texas law allows the use of force, but not deadly force, against a child by the child's parent, guardian, or other person who is acting in loco parentis. Most parents do, in fact, use corporal punishment (in the form of spanking) at least occasionally, and most do not, in fact, consider it abusive

* Striking a child above the waist is more likely to be considered abusive; disciplinary spanking is usually confined to the buttocks.

* Spanking with the bare, open hand is least likely to be abusive; the use of an instrument is cause for concern. Belts and hair brushes are accepted by many as legitimate disciplinary "tools," and their use is not likely to be considered abusive, as long as injury does not occur. Electrical or phone cords, boards, yardsticks, ropes, shoes, and wires are likely to be considered instruments of abuse.

* It is best not to hit a child in anger. Abusive punishment is most likely to occur when the parent is out of control.

* Finally, and most important, punishment is abusive if it causes injury. A blow that causes a red mark that fades in an hour is not likely to be judged abusive. On the other hand, a blow that leaves a bruise, welt, or swelling, or requires medical attention, probably would be judged abusive.



When a verbal report of suspected abuse is made to Child Protective Services, TDFPS records are checked and law enforcement personnel are notified. Whether or not the case will be investigated is then determined. Not every report gives rise to an investigation. The report may describe a situation that does not qualify as abuse; for example, corporal punishment and poverty, both frequently reported as abuse, are not likely to be investigated unless there is reason to believe that a child has actually been harmed."

Answer 6

According to the Texas Attorney General:

"Some parents who become abusive believe that what they are doing is in the best interest of the child and are confused about when an attempt at discipline crosses the line and becomes abuse. Whether an action is abusive really depends on the circumstances of the individual case. However, the following guidelines may help:

* Striking a child above the waist is more likely to be considered abusive; disciplinary spanking is usually confined to the buttocks.

* Spanking with the bare, open hand is least likely to be abusive; the use of an instrument is cause for concern. Belts and hair brushes are accepted by many as legitimate disciplinary "tools," and their use is not likely to be considered abusive, as long as injury does not occur. Electrical or phone cords, boards, yardsticks, ropes, shoes, and wires are likely to be considered instruments of abuse.

* It is best not to hit a child in anger. Abusive punishment is most likely to occur when the parent is out of control.

* Finally, and most important, punishment is abusive if it causes injury. A blow that causes a red mark that fades in an hour is not likely to be judged abusive. On the other hand, a blow that leaves a bruise, welt, or swelling, or requires medical attention, probably would be judged abusive."

So to answer your question, the object itself is not considered abusive but you are more likely to cross the line using a belt because it is more likely to leave a bruise, welt, swelling, or to require medical attention.

Without giving away my stance on spanking I hope I have answered your question. :-)

Answer 7

I am not from Texas but i believe spanking a kid with a belt is abuse.

I do believe spanking a kid with a open hand on the butt is ok if not over done,if they have done some thing to deserve it. For example you should only spank a child for causing harm to themselves or others and stealing. a time out should be used for any thing else.

Answer 8

As long as you don't leave any marks it is the kid's word against yours.When you tell the cops you disciplined the child because they were being a brat, they will probably take your side.If they check and find no marks then they will tell her to behave.My parents whipped me with a belt and I have never been in jail.I work and am a responsible mature adult.ALL the kids I saw growing up and after who were NEVER spanked, ended up in jail before they were 20.

Answer 9

It's a gray area. The laws don't usually specifically talk about instruments used for spanking. You can imagine the problems if courts and police were forced to make judgements on the wide range of possibilities. Texas law allows "reasonable discipline" and physical abuse is defined as a "physical injury that results in substantial injury to the child." Basically you would probably find that the issue comes down to physical injury and how substantial it is, if it were to be taken to court. But it's legal to spank your children in all 50 states, you just can't abuse them.

Answer 10

No, it's not abuse. It's called discipline. If more parents applied it to their children, we all might be a little better off. Put the thumbs down if you'd like, but it's true.

Beating a child with a belt is called abuse.

I know that some might not agree, but it was an effective tool long before any of us were around and will continue to be an affective tool long after we are all gone.

Answer 11

I would not consider it so, and I believe that alot of people my age and older would agree. we are talking about a couple of swats to the rear aren't we? Not a beating. That is why we have 7 year olds calling their Moms *itches in public-- parents are too afraid of being calling abusers to disclipline their kids anymore! Every child is different, mine would just laugh at the idea of a time out, after they were about 3. But if I felt the need to spank them, they never broke that rule again!