Smacked Kids Do Better At School
- By The Christian Messenger
- Published 01/18/2010
The Christian Messenger
The Christian Messenger - Evangelism Through Journalism. The Christian Messenger is an evangelical monthly newspaper published from Chennai, India. Started in 2002 as a privately circulated periodical, its initial print run was 2,500 copies. A year later, it became a registered newspaper. Currently, the print order is 15,000 copies. It is perhaps the only Christian newspaper that spans the length and breadth of the country. The founders of the newspaper have a vision to make it India’s leading Christian daily.What we do: Good news, first! That's our burden. Good news is not just the Gospel but also the positive side of Christian living. But that doesn't mean we don't report bad news. Persecution, end-times watch, falling idols and Biblical prophecies that come true are part of our reportage. We are dependent on God and independent of any denomination, groups or organizations. Neither do we let advertisers influence news coverage nor do we print puffed up handouts. We are fair, neutral and non-judgmental. Because we believe in a God who tells the truth and expects us to be like Him. Why a Christian newspaper? At the heart of our media mission is this motto: Evangelism through journalism. The purpose of this newspaper is to report newsworthy religious events and activities within the local community, nationwide and around the world, to increase the awareness and activism of believers regarding the moral issues of today, to provide thought-provoking commentary, and to provide an effective advertising vehicle for Christian ministries and organizations, events and businesses that want to reach the Christian community in India and abroad. If you think you can support us or partner with us in this mission, do send us a mail today: editor@christianmessenger.in
Teenagers who were disciplined with smacking between the ages of two to six tend to do better at school than those who were never smacked, a study has found.
They were also more likely to feel good about the future and to undertake voluntary work.
The research undermines claims that smacking young children might damage their development.
The author of the research, Prof Marjorie Gunnoe of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said: “The claims made for not spanking children fail to hold up. They are not consistent with the data”.
The study revealed superior or equal scores across a range of social indicators for those disciplined by smacking between the ages of two and six, compared to those who had never been smacked.
However, young people who were still being smacked as teenagers scored worse on most indicators.
Prof Gunnoe speculates that parents who rule out smacking as a matter of principle may be less likely to help their children develop the self-discipline and social skills needed to succeed in life.
A spokeswoman for Parents Outloud, Margaret Morrissey, welcomed Prof Gunnoe’s research. She said: “It is very difficult to explain verbally to a young child why something they have done is wrong.
“A light tap is often the most effective way of teaching them not to do something that is dangerous or hurtful to other people”.
Under the current law in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, parents may use “reasonable chastisement” as long as it does not leave more than a transitory mark on the child.
In Scotland, smacking is allowed but use of implements, shaking or blows to the head are outlawed.
In November 2009 a separate study concluded that children who receive ‘tough love’ – a combination of warmth and discipline – from their parents have the best chance of doing well in life.
The study by left-leaning think-tank Demos identified three character traits that do most to determine a child’s chances of becoming a well-rounded adult. These are self-control, empathy and determination.
‘Tough love’ parenting proved more beneficial in developing these traits than alternative parenting styles, which Demos described as ‘laissez-faire’, ‘authoritarian’ and ‘disengaged’.
What the Bible says: 'He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.' (Proverbs 13:24) and 'Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell.' (Proverbs 23:13-14)
The Christian Messenger
