If you asked me how to raise a kid I would tell you to beat them until they understand right from wrong. That may not be the best advice according to John Fletcher, editor-in-chief of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). He believes, along with other experts, that using physical force to discipline your child leads to mental health issues such as substance abuse, depression and increased aggression. With spanking being such a hot topic in places such as the U.S., it's raising concerns about the affect it's having on children.

I'll be the first to tell you to hit your kids, after all it's what my parents did to me and look how great I turned out. Then I remember that my parents never really hit me. My mom would spank me but I grew too big for that by the time I was eight, then it was my dad's job. I don't remember ever actually being hit by my dad, it was the sheer fear from the possibility of it that kept me in line. Maybe that's what kids need; no actual physical force, just fear. Fear keeps everybody in line, and fear of your dad beating you until you have detached retinas will keep you from getting high and accidentally lighting your grandmother on fire.

TL;DR In Canada experts are trying to ban spanking as they believe it causes mental health issues in children as they get older.

Canadian Experts Call for Nationwide Ban on Spanking [Yahoo!]

Posted by Atkins under Lifestyle