“Just a spanking, just a slap, just a pinch.” Would these forms of corporal punishment be considered a small action for large gains or a small action for large costs? Speculation about whether corporal punishment serves as an effective teaching method for behavior modification has intensified throughout the twenty-first century. While some may argue that spanking is appropriate and disciplinary, others believe it is just a euphemism for disguised violence. The thin line between discipline and abuse with corporal punishment has led it to become a hot and controversial topic, requiring immediate action. Although corporal punishment may appear to stop unwanted behavior, its immediate but short-lived benefits do not equal its eternal disadvantages. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Supporters of corporal punishment deliberately justify their unconditional support for these acts by pointing out that spanking a child is different from abuse, so they believe the child is suffering no real harm. However, the fine line between spanking and actual abuse is too fragile to take such risks. Once in anger or any state of distress, a parent cannot have full control of their actions; therefore, what may begin as a harmless light spanking can turn into a severe beating. An article published in 1993, Depression in Primary Care, highlights the repugnant risk factor linked to child abuse. Maltreatment of a child through corporal punishment can lead to functional impairments, although sometimes unintentionally. Abuse is simply defined as the cruel or violent treatment of a person or animal, and spanking, slapping, pinching, or any other form of corporal punishment falls into the same category, only darker. Another justification, presented by supporters of corporal punishment, would be its intensity, effectiveness, and short duration. They believe that with just one spanking you can teach a lot. However, what they fail to see is the serious obstacle immediately behind that spanking. Yes, a spanking might be able to eliminate the child's unwanted behavior, but much more hostile behavior would be induced. While immediate implementation may be possible, delayed deficiencies may appear. For example, aggressive, violent, depressive behavior, and even poor academic performance would later be noted, among other physical, psychological, and social obstacles. A study published in the Journal of Aggression Maltreatment and Trauma argued that spanking can lead to lower IQ as it hinders healthy long-term thought processing. With its limited effectiveness and disadvantageous intensity, spanking offers a high failure rate as a disciplinary tool. Those who believe in corporal punishment as an effective tool of discipline ultimately argue that it instills respect and establishes boundaries between the child and the parent. However, it only creates a barrier between the child and the parent as it reduces influence and attracts lying. Why should a parent, for the simple feeling of being in control, risk losing the trust and security that their child associates with them? Since trust and security are the essence of family relationships, the use of different forms of corporal punishment may be capable of jeopardizing the foundation of the parent-child relationship. Moreover, with time, the child will start.