Big people hit little people when big people lose the run of themselves

THE column by Steven King on child corporal punishment (January 6) is a prime example of irresponsible and sensational journalism.

1. What justification is there for dubious research from a “distinctively Christian” (I quote from the Calvin College, Michigan, website) institution appearing as a front page headline in what purports to be a quality newspaper.

2. Why was this “research” cherry-picked without reference to any other work on the same subject?

3. Why was there no reference to the academic journal in which the research was published and peer reviewed. A process that guarantees veracity

To hitch this “research” to the proposed referendum on children’s rights is outrageous and misleading. It does a great disservice to your readers, Irish children, parents, social scientists and social work professionals. Mr King’s comment regarding the majority of Irish parents being opposed to outlawing the slapping of children, “according to some surveys”, is unreferenced and unprofessional. Is an element of his fee for this column supposed to cover time spent on research — if so, maybe you should demand a refund.

I suspect the true rationale for giving the green light to assaulting those under six years old is that they are less likely than bigger children to hit back.

I can’t understand why those who do still smack “in the interests of discipline” should feel guilty about it. Could it be they know it is a bad practice? Let’s admit that big people assault little people when the big people lose the run of themselves. It is bad behaviour and the best thing to do is to apologise for it and do one’s very best not to repeat it.

My interest in this issue is not as a member or supporter of “the child protection industry” — indeed I am unaware of the existence of any such clique and cannot imagine who their commercial supporters might be.

I am a parent of two grown children who is in the process of being assessed as a foster carer. I suspect any children allocated to me for care will come from families who have condoned the child assault culture that has been thriving in this country for aeons.

Bridget Carlin

Lr Derrygoolin

Coose

Whitegate

Co Clare