When a bigger child hits a smaller child in the playground we call him a bully. When he grows up and pushes someone over to steal a wallet we call him a bully. When he gets into a fight and punches a workmate who’s insulted him we call him a troublemaker. But when he becomes a father and hits his disruptive, disobedient or disrespectful child, we call him a disciplinarian.
Dr Jacqueline Small of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) opened with this thought-provoking statement at the ninth Ethical Forum to run at the Institute’s Meadowbank Campus on 7 November 2013.
Over 100 students studying youth work and community services gathered in the auditorium to listen to four fascinating industry professionals present wildly different views on the question ‘is it okay to physically discipline children?’
Like many issues that arise in the community services sector, this is a complex topic. The Forum aims to give students an understanding of the different points of view they will inevitably encounter once they enter the workplace.
Legislation around the issue varies from state to state, and there are international principles to which Australia is a signatory but has not directly passed into law, so it is understandable that there are a multitude of opinions.
Mohamed Dukuly of NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors, (STARTTS) works with families in transition – often refugees who have come from volatile situations and are trying to integrate into a new society and culture. He says that examining context, intention, and the outcome are critically important and in reality, no culture condones the outright abuse of children, but there aren’t clear-cut answers to whether it’s acceptable to physically discipline children.
According to Sue Edgerley, author of 5 Keys Parenting modern parenting is more complex – which makes it more likely for parents to make mistakes. For some, says Ms Edgerley, using traditional parenting techniques which might include a light smack can be an effective way of teaching children and creating boundaries and does not preclude it being a loving and caring family.
Maree Walk, Chief Executive of Family and Community Services (FaCS), rounded out the discussion and made the point that, although moderate forms of physical discipline are not prohibited in NSW, it does not encourage a child to engage critically with their behavior and environment. She also pointed out there is a statistical correlation between children who are subjected to physical discipline, and social problems later in life. Talking about a report by the UK’s National Children's Bureau, It hurts you inside — children talking about smacking, Ms Walk also encouraged everyone to take the time to listen to children’s voices - they have a lot to teach us.
One thing all speakers agreed on was that parents need to feel confident and empowered to be able to effectively raise their children. Finding the space for a respectful and intelligent discussion around the issue is key and the students attending the Forum certainly lived up to that spirit.
Dave Crow, a Certificate IV student in Youth Work, wrapped it up nicely “If you only have people who are similar you only get one way of thinking and that isn’t really beneficial for anyone. The Forum is a really innovative way of learning and really makes you stop and consider other people’s opinions.”
If you are interested in studying community services, visit http://www.nsi.tafensw.edu.au and check out the Health and Community Services industry area page.