Laws in Florida on Spanking a Child With a Belt
The American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement in 1998 suggesting "corporal punishment is of limited effectiveness" and a 2004 study by the University of Michigan's School of Social Work demonstrates that even "minimal amounts" of spanking increases antisocial behavior in children. Florida law addresses the use of corporal punishment as it pertains to child abuse.
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Definition of Child Abuse in Florida
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Florida law defines physical child abuse as a "willful or threatened act resulting in physical, mental, or sexual injury or harm." When a parent or any adult strikes a child, with or without an object, on purpose, the action is considered child abuse if the child is harmed physically or mentally.
Florida Laws Pertaining to Physical Discipline
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Inappropriate or extremely harsh discipline that is likely to cause physical or mental and emotional injury is considered child abuse, according to Florida law. The Florida definition for abuse against a child, statue 39.01, applies to a person who inflicts physical injury upon a child as well as to any caregiver who fails to protect a child in her care from being physically harmed by another person.
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Spanking With A Belt
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Because spanking a child with a belt potentially can result in physical and mental harm to the child, it should be avoided and, according to Florida law, a person inflicting any physical harm to a child can be found guilty of child abuse. In the U.S., 47 states impose a penalty on anyone who fails to report suspected child abuse, classified as a misdemeanor. In Florida, however, failure to report more serious cases of child abuse may result in a felony charge.
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References
- The Center For Effective Discipline: Should Spanking Be Banned
- Find Law: Florida Child Abuse Laws
- Child Welfare Information Gateway: Definitions Of Child Abuse And Neglect: Summary Of State Laws
- World Corporal Punishment Research: Baltimore Sun - Spanking Revisited
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Guidance for Effective Discipline
- The Report on Physical Punishment in the United States: What Research Tells Us About Its Effects on Children
Resources
- Photo Credit belt image by Mikhail Olykainen from Fotolia.com
