#TheSpankDebate | Ruff Ruminations

"Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada, enacted in 1892, provides parents, teachers and caregivers — including babysitters and foster parents — a defence when they use corporal punishment as "reasonable force" to discipline children. The Supreme Court of Canada upheld the century-old law in 2004 when it was asked to rule on whether spanking constitutes "reasonable force" for disciplining children, or whether it is a form of abuse."

"The bill was eventually amended to allow parents and caregivers to use force in very specific situations — such as a small smack to the hand to stop a child who is about to do something dangerous or harmful. But routine discipline and the use of spanking as premeditated punishment wouldn't be allowed.

The bill passed its third reading in the Senate in June 2008 and moved to the House of Commons for approval before it could become law. The House never held a vote, however, as Parliament was dissolved for an election."

-Quoted from an article by CBC news

Some more information on the 2008 proceedings can also be found on the CBC's website

However researchers are spurring the debate again. And lots of people are talking about it on twitter, on facebook, in blogs and of course at home. A recent re-tweet of mine sparked some conversation with other blogging moms and we decided to join our voices together in a Blog Hop to say "NO!" to spanking. Some of them are simply going to share their opinion and others (like myself) are going to also share their personal experiences.

Before I share my personal opinions here are some more links you might like to check out:

Spanking It Hurts More Than You Think

Spanking Kids Can Cause Long-term Harm

'Right to Spank' Called Public Health Threat

Survey On Spanking

"No Study Ever Found Physical Punishment Can Have a Long-term Positive Effect"

The "Spanking" Law Section 43 of the Criminal Code

Also see what these Ladies have to say:

Misty at Life Where We Are

Michelle at Simply Happy Mama

Catherine at the dabels divulge

Melissa at Family Fun Calgary and Family Fun Canada

Okay so I HAD this beautiful and well written argument all laid out and then Blogger was really nice and didn't save any of it for me. Now it is late and I am tired but I still want to get this up in time for #TheSpankDebate. So I'm going to be a little more brief and a little less well written but you will still hopefully understand where I stand in the debate.

I know I was spanked as a kid,I don't actually remember it though. I used to think "I was spanked and I turned out fine". I don't think that way anymore. Don't get me wrong my mom is wonderful and loving and did a great job raising me, I even spanked Grady a few times in the past. BUT I have changed my thinking for several reasons:

1) I used to do behaviour modification for a living so I OUGHT to be able to do better by my own child

2) I have seen nothing but negative effects in Grady and myself as a result of spanking or being spanked

3) I'd rather raise my child through education rather than raising my hand

So I won't be spanking anymore. I think there should be a ban on spanking in Canada because:

1) It will be a fast and global way to make parents think twice about using a "swift swat to the bum"

2) We used to think child labour, spousal abuse and even using the strap (I vividly remember when the principal demonstrating the effects of the strap on a desk! Scary stuff) were okay.Now we don't and I think spanking should be in that list too

3) I think there should be a period of thorough education on spanking before we begin to criminalize parents for using this technique.

Okay I know that was REALLY brief, I'll probably come back later to update with what I remember of my previous genius post. Until then...

What do you think? Join #TheSpankDebate bloghop