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# Spanking isn’t child abuse
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/spanking-isnt-child-abuse-editor/
- Published: 2008-04-09T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T19:10:37.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Hja van Tobruk*

After observation of the advertisement in your newspaper (The Ad Council, Page 11, April 1), I decided to write this short note.

“Sparing the rod” does spoil the child. A psychologist created a theoretical position on that subject to expand parenting procedures. Yes, theoretical. It developed into a new method of achieving an ‘end’ result. My grandmother taught me that, “If something is not broke, do not fix it.” Their ‘label’ is confusion. To chastise a child is forcing the child’s attention to consequences. Today’s system does not accomplish that particular end result. Take a look around the society today.

This subject would be very interesting during a debate, with or without an audience. Bottom line — normal, physical punishment is not abuse, when done properly. Spankings are not the same as using a burning iron is it? And, most times, when overheard, from my mouth by others, it becomes an interesting conversation.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 9, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/040908.pdf?ref=smdp.com)