A prominent Australian doctors’ organization is advocating for the prohibition of parents smacking their children, igniting discussions among professionals regarding the practicality of such a proposal.
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians is planning to propose a legislative amendment aimed at shielding children from physical punishment.
Currently, it is permissible for parents to administer “reasonable” corporal punishment as a method of discipline. However, Associate Professor Susan Moloney, president of the college’s paediatrics and child health division, asserts that such punishments can escalate into abuse.
“We know that a significant number of child homicides are the result of physical punishment which went wrong,” stated Mr. Moloney.
Medical professionals also indicate that physical punishment can contribute to issues such as depression, anxiety, aggression, antisocial behavior, and substance abuse.
Mr. Moloney highlighted that existing legislation protects children from dangers like pool fencing and prohibits smoking in cars; yet, individuals can face arrest for striking their dog while there is no legal consequence for striking a child.
Child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg expressed his disapproval of smacking, suggesting that implementing legislation would be impractical. Family therapist Michael Hawton noted that many well-intentioned parents resort to smacking simply because they are unaware of alternative disciplinary methods.
Dr. Justin Coulson, a father of five and parenting author, supports the idea of legislation but questions its enforceability, emphasizing that education is vital for achieving reform.
Contrarily, Roslyn Phillips, a research officer with the Christian organization FamilyVoice Australia, claims that “reasonable discipline” is essential for teaching children who lack an understanding of boundaries.
“A short physical action conveys ‘no.’ While an abusive action by parents constitutes a crime, a smack does not fall into that category,” she remarked.
The college, which represents 14,000 physicians, plans to launch a public awareness initiative aimed at informing parents about non-smacking alternatives, aligning with its push for legal reform.
Amid significant controversy, New Zealand enacted anti-smacking legislation in 2007.
