Q Should corporal punishment be a criminal offence?
Children are learning and trying to adapt themselves to the world. Unavoidably, they make mistakes and easily misbehave. But corporal punishment is never a civilised way to educate and discipline them. It can only stop them from doing bad things for a short period because they do not understand why what they did is wrong.
There are many non-violent, effective ways to discipline children, such as cutting their pocket money and stopping them from playing computer games. Parents who do not have any idea about how to discipline their children should seek help from social workers.
Wong Wai-ling, Tuen Mun
I disapprove of corporal punishment. Many traditional families regard it as most effective. But is it really a suitable and effective method? I don't think so.
Children are afraid of being punished, but over time they will become rebellious. The harmful effect of corporal punishment is not physical but psychological. Corporal punishment will affect the normal maturing of children. They may also think that their parents hate them. It will give them the wrong idea.