High Court spanking judgement: Does the law affect your parenting style?

Listen as KZN and Jane share their views on the topic in the podcast, then read more below: 

Last week, the South Gauteng High Court ruled that the 'common law defence of reasonable and moderate chastisement is unconstitutional and no longer applies in our law'. 

What this means is that it is no longer legal to apply any kind of physical discipline to your children. This relates to hitting, spanking or 'lightly' punishing your child. This is now illegal and a punishable offence. The ruling was met with both praise and disapproval by parents and community-based organisations. Even our very own Bongani from East Coast Drive shared his views on the matter.

Read: Shocking! Daycare worker arrested for child abuse

Having three small kids, I have come to realise that when it comes to discipline, all my children react differently to different approaches to punishment for 'bad' behaviour. While raising a voice may work wonders for the one child, a timeout may be more suitable for the other. 

As parents, we have never gone the 'hiding' route - although I have over the years smacked a bottom or two (with my hand) for not listening. These were few and far between, though. I would rather converse and set the parameters, and if they cross the line, I would rather confiscate the TV or internet time. In this modern day and age, that hurts more than a smack to their bottoms. 

Read: WTF on East Coast Drive: ‘My husband smacks other people’s children’

When I was growing up, I most certainly remember being given a hiding, not often, but when it did happen it was always in a calm and controlled manner.

For me personally, I think we as parents should be talking to our children and steering them through actions that are not physical, but rather teach them that through their behaviour, they can manage cause and effect. Missing out on TV time, a friend's party or extra reading time at night, in my opinion, is the way to go. 

Read: KZN school programme to offer alternatives to corporal punishment

In saying that, I know that kids react differently, but I can't believe that any child reacts greatly to being reprimanded with a red-hot belt thrashing by an irate, manic, anger-fuelled parent? 

Sadly, I don't think that this type of ruling is going to stop the disgrace that is a parent that beats their child.

I think the high court ruling is a good one. What do you think? I'd love to hear from you.