How Teenagers Should be Punished - Assignment Example

 How Teenagers Should be Punished Abstract This paper is an exploration of corporal punishment as a means of discipline for teenagers by their parents. While many justify their use of corporal punishment for various reason such as, through the words of the Bible or the continuing legacy of how they were raised, this outline is fully against the use of physical punishment on any level upon a child at any age, particularly in teenagers. While the views of this manuscript find that corporal punishments unjustifiable, it is also respectful of the role of the parent as the authority-figure in the household. This research study aims to contribute to the awareness of the effects of corporal punishment in children and the possible, long-term issues. Furthermore, this study is a promotion of rendering alternative ways to discipline teenagers and how they should be punished as well as how they should not be punished. When it comes to punishing children, corporal punishment is unnecessary, inappropriate, and hence, should not be used. This work will show that if parents are to use corporal punishment for the sake of disciplining their children, some might lose control and injure their children and others might use it as a means of releasing their stress. All the while, parents are often unaware that this approach to disciplining their children serves as a negative reinforcement as it teaches their children to hit and will potentially, lead them down a path of emotional and physical damage, possibly destroying their adult relationship with their children in the future. This paper will briefly examine the different methods of disciplining teens, the negative impact of physical assault on youngsters, and alternative methods of penalization. Key words: corporal punishment, teenagers, parents, physical harm, physical aggression, physical abuse, emotional distress How Teenagers Should be Punished According to the law, corporal punishment is defined as physical punishment, as flogging, inflicted on the body of one convicted of a crime: formerly included the death penalty, sentencing to a term of years, etc.[Dic14]. In this study, corporal punishment is focused on a secondary definition that is outlined as follows: physical punishment, as spanking, inflicted on a child an adult in authority[Dic14]. It is the latter definition that is mostly referenced in this writing, particularly as it relates to teenagers. However, in this discussion, the reference may cross into the initial definition, where teenagers have been found to be treated as criminals, being beaten regularly throughout these formative years, the second decade of life. The term teenager is interchangeable with adolescent and is elaborately and effectively discussed in Laurence D. Steinberg’s book, Adolescence[Ste13]. Steinberg often discusses the many issues that surround the adolescent. The teenager goes through many changes physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually. It is alarming to find how common it is for individuals, in their developmental years, go through physical punishment of every level. While teenage behavior is expected to display a certain level of mischievousness among girls and boys alike, cross-culturally, and in spite of socioeconomic backgrounds, many experience physical abuse that goes beyond spanking. According to the article entitled, The Physical Punishment of Children[Ell00], teenagers are often physically punished by parents who were punched, kicked, or choked by their parents[Ell00]and grew into adults who believed that they were not victims of physical abuse. Mental transference and emotional underdevelopment are some of the damages that follow physically punished children into their adulthood. They often do not acknowledge their own experience of physical punishment as a child and then will classify it as acceptable behavior when they begin to physically punish their own children. In the article entitled, Corporal Punishment as a Stressor Among Youth[Hea96], corporal punishment or physical punishment refers to the use of physical force with the intention of causing a child pain, but not injury, for purposes of correction or control of the child’s behavior[Hea96]. Mental and emotional damages come with physical aggression, not the corporal punishment defined here. Physical Aggression: An Inappropriate Option Many believe that teenagers should not be corporally punished or physically abused by parents on any level, mild or severe. Among those who concur are the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)[Ell00] in conjunction with “Children are Unbearable”[Ell00]. Their aim is to rid all of society of physical harm to children of any degree that is punishable to the fullest extent of the law. They believe that physical aggression is inappropriate and unacceptable behavior. They will fearlessly confront any culture or society on the matter addressing the emotional, developmental, and sometimes physical scars they can leave on a child for a lifetime. This is important to point out because physical punishment is often part of the unspoken guidelines of many cultures around the world. Some believe that mild or moderate physical punishment is acceptable, qualifying that this type of punishment does not injure with broken bones, scars, or drawn blood. In such societies, these acts would be considered severe and grotesque. However, spanking, smacking, or maybe even the use of the belt is not only acceptable, but expected to improve a child’s behavior, even during the adolescent stages. Some believe that effective punishment can be achieved without any physical or corporal punishment of any kind. When teenagers misbehave, privileges should be taken away, chores should be given or increased, fun items and luxuries should be deprived, and social events are no longer an option for a period of time. These are often typical ways of punishing adolescents, but often considered too lenient and ineffective. A more severe punishment may be having to volunteer at a soup kitchen, mow the lawns of neighbors, or even help the janitor in their school. The idea is to provide more creative ways to punish children and simultaneously teach them the importance of helping others. Conclusion This paper is a brief examination of the different methods of disciplining teens, the negative impact of physical assault on youngsters, and alternative methods of penalization. This work has shown that if parents are to use corporal punishment for the sake of disciplining their children, some might lose control and injure their children and others might use it as a means of releasing their stress. This is proven during acts of physical aggression. All the while, parents are often unaware that this approach to disciplining their children serves as a negative reinforcement as it teaches their children to hit and will potentially, lead them down a path of emotional and physical damage, possibly destroying their adult relationship with their children in the future. There are potentially effective alternatives to punishing children that can instill compassion for others and the importance of helping those who are in need. Annotated Bibliography Dic14: , (Dictionary), Ste13: , (Steinberg), Ell00: , (Elliman and Lynch), Hea96: , (Turner and Finkelhor), Hea96: , (Turner and Finkelhor), Ell00: , (Elliman and Lynch), Read More