Would you turn someone in for spanking their child in public?

Question

Saying perhaps the child was misbehaving? Would you be offended and turn the parent in to the protection services for abuse?

Answer 1

HELL NO if it was just a spanking! There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING wrong with spanking kids.

If only MORE parents started actually acting like parents and spanked their kids when they acted up maybe tragedies like Columbine would not happen, and kids would not be going around joining gangs, doing drive-bys, selling drugs and who knows what else!

I would NEVER report any parent for a simple spanking! In fact I would applaud them for taking control of an unruly child! Spanking is LEGAL in most countries, and it is a parent's right and responsibility to discipline their children as they see fit.

So as long as the spanking was not abusive, or excessive, I would NOT report them.

The ONLY thing that would make me turn the parents in would be if I could see that they were out of control, or the child was in danger from something MORE than just a sore red behind.

For example, if the parent was beating the kid in the head, or neck, or was punching them with closed fists, or something like that. Then yes I would turn them in, for the child's safety.

But if it is just a parent giving an unruly child a swat or two or few on the butt (even a bared butt within the privacy of a restroom or dressing room) I would NOT report them, and to the contrary, later, if I got a chance to speak to them privately, I'd commend them for not shirking their parental duty, and responsibility and taking control of their misbehaving child.

Answer 2

Most likely no. If the child was acting up and throwing a huge tantrum, then I would be offended if the parent did nothing at all. I am pretty sure that most of us have seen that child in Wal-Mart or the grocery store who is having a major meltdown because they can't have a toy. People calling to report a child getting a spanking in public are what is clogging up CPS and distracting those men and women from removing children from homes where serious abuse is occuring.

Answer 3

No, unless the parents were REALLY wailin' on them or something. I don't even think you can do that since spanking is still legal. (Thank goodness.) I see children in public acting like total brats that could use a good spanking. =P There's a big difference between a disciplinary spanking and an abusive beating. I think that is jumping to conclusions to turn someone in because they gave their kid a swat on the backside and assume that they're abusive. CPS does some great work, but they can also be a total pain in the butt. Our nosy neighbors called on us for my parents letting me take my siblings to the creek down the road by myself when I was 14. There was around 6 inches of water and we all had life vests and I could swim and there was also a house about 20 yards from where we were. >_<

Answer 4

It would really depend on the situation. If I felt the parent was being abusive, I would definitely report it. I'm sure everyone has their own definition of what would constitute abuse but, if I felt that the parent was unnecessarily hurting the child or being cruel or purposely humiliating them by hurting them then I would not hesitate to let the authorities know what I saw. I assume you're asking about if this were a stranger to me and someone I knew nothing about and would report anonymously. I definitely don't believe in spanking and much more so, I think any parent who would spank their child in public needs to understand how inappropriate and unacceptable that is. I also think that a parent who would spank their child knowing that others could see what was going on might really be asking for help and be ultimately grateful to be reported.

Answer 5

I actually find it highly offensive that anyone would turn in another parent for spanking their child for misbehaving. I am in my forties, raised four children, have 3 grandchildren and am very well aware that sometimes a child needs a little tap on the butt to get them back in line. A young child will push their parent to see what they can get away with. They also without a little disapline will have control over everyone around them. For example, ever see those parents who try to reason with their childreen in public and the child mouths off or hits back or totally does what they want anyway?? I do not agree with anything but a spanking on the butt when needed. hitting a young chid anywhere else is borderline excessive force. you want to correct them, not really hurt them. A red behind used in the proper way and with proper force never killed a child and helps them to grow into a better disaplined person. This generation of parents who think they know better and refuse to use physical punishment are raising a generation of out of control, do anything they want kids who are going to be our future leaders. Some people go way overboard in what they think others should be doing to raise their children.. unless you see obvious abuse, you need to mind your business, and thank god that the parent cared enough to want to have the child learn right from wrong and how to behave in public. Kudo's to you parents out there who believe in proper disapline and letting the children have a fear of god that will help them to be able to focus more in public and in school. Thank you for spanking your child and not making me suffer while your child has a temper tantrum out in public. I really mean it, Thank You!!!!!

Answer 6

Not unless they were severely beating the child. I spanked mine and I still believe in spanking when the child is misbehaving and won't listen when you tell them to stop.

Answer 7

Most spankings I've witnessed in public usually upset me because they are done out of anger rather then love. Our family believes in spanking, but it's done in a very loving way, with the goal to correct misbehavior, not relieve stress.


I'd NOT report how people raise their children, and think it's wrong to do so. Spanking is still very legal in the US and Canada, People need to understand the laws before making a report.

Answer 8

Just a plain old spanking...NO WAY! When I was a kid I got the belt plenty of times and there was no one around to call on my parents. That was accepted back in the 70's. Was it right? No, but it taught me to know my place unlike the children today. Depends on what the child did too. I wouldn't beat my children in public but a good butt smack to make sure they know I am serious. Hope that helps.

Answer 9

I wouldn't....being of the "spare the child" mindset. Now, if they are hauling off and beating the child, that's totally different.
You know, it's amazing to me that someone would turn someone in for popping thier kids on the rear-end, when almost everytime I'm in Wal-Mart I hear "Jesus, son. You're not getting the tranformer.....how many times do I have to tell you? Are you stupid?" or some other derogatory and mean language toward their kids. I just don't get it. You pop the kid, he sits or stops screaming or whatever and it's over. Others talk to their kids like trash and it's therapy for years.
Also, I wanted to mention, being a mom......have you seen the looks people give you when your kid is "that kid' in Wal-Mart? I'm sorry, but kids use your embarassment to their advantage in these situations.
Personally, I have not had to spank mine in the store. The mere threat is good enough.

Answer 10

Heck no. There is nothing wrong with spanking! How can someone even compare spanking a child to punching their wife? That's ridiculous!