Legislation to ban smacking children in Scotland looks certain to pass. Do you think smacking is acceptable?
“I do believe that a mild smack is acceptable when I child is disobedient, especially if their behaviour is potentially dangerous. A small child cannot be reasoned with and must be dissuaded from bad behaviour. To many children now are completely out of control due to the lack of deterrents.” Liz Kelly, Glasgow
“There are other ways parents can stop children misbehaving – talking to them or banning TV and internet or stopping pocket money and sweets.” Judi Martin, Aberdeenshire
“It is the ONLY way that discipline is installed. The trouble with this UK is that no one disciplines children anymore. Bring back National Service for girls as well as boys. That will change the way people behave.” Dave Hillerby, Durham
“It will be unenforceable because it normally happens within the confines of the house. If a mother is accused of smacking a child and she denies it will a five-year-old be required to give evidence in court? This badly thought out bill should be scrapped.” Ronald James, Angus
“It can never be right to hit a defenceless child. What kind of example does it show that you can impose your will by hitting someone smaller or weaker than yourself?” Stephen Calder, Peterhead
“Although I did smack my own children, as a grandparent my thoughts on the matter have changed and I think there are other ways of punishing children. A ban would make people think about how to chastise a child.” Margaret Gibb, Fife
“If parents can’t smack kids do they have to shout at them? I believe shouting has a greater effect on a child’s personality than smacking.” James Brown, Whitburn