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by Erinn Soule

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Spanking raises chances of risky deviant sexual behavior? This according to new research in Boston. They should be the home of the Boston Red Sox, not the home of the Boston Red Bottoms!

Thursday Feb. 28, 2008 HealthDay News reported that Researchers have uncovered another damaging consequence of spanking: risky sexual behaviors, or even sexual deviancy, when the child grows up. I am not a child expert in the textbook sense, however I do have plenty of experience from raising 4 children. I also interviewed two different Professionals in the medical field in Los Angeles, CA

Murray Straus, a "spanking expert" was expected to present the findings of 4 studies at the American Psychological Association's, "Summit on Violence and Abuse in Relationships" in Bethesda, Md., on Thursday. Murray claims that this new found problem is yet one more damaging side affect of spanking your child. I tend to disagree with this.

There are so many child predators, Priests, teachers and everyday strangers walking around these days that cannot be trusted. I do not believe "spanking" caused these individuals to prey on our children, I think lack of spanking caused this behavior along with all the other imbalances of their lives.

Dr. Smith, a Family Practitioner here in Los Angeles, gave me his opinion on this controversial subject. His opinion was on the "pro" side of spanking.

Erin: Hello Dr. Smith, thank you for taking the time to help us better understand the effects of spanking on children today. Were you aware of the new study that claims spanking increases the chances of risky, deviant sexual behavior in children when they grow up? How do you feel about this new study? And do you agree?

Dr.: Good afternoon Erin. Yes I am aware of this new development among researchers. Although I do believe there are "side affects" to spanking a child, I do not consider it to be the cause for such behavior later in life. Spanking out of anger, not allowing for a "cooling off" period, can definitely cause adverse affects on a child. You are only instilling fear in them, not teaching them about repercussions of their actions.

Dr. Lorraine Kranz is a Pediatrician in Marina Del Rey, California. She has been working in the medical field for over 21 years. Dr. Kranz is on the "Con" side of spanking. Below are her thoughts on this new research and my question.

Dr. Kranz agrees with the research stating that a meta-analysis of spanking studies conducted by Gershoff found 93 percent agreement among studies that spanking can lead to such problems as delinquent and anti-social behavior in childhood along with aggression, criminal and anti-social behavior and spousal or child abuse as an adult. She also advises to refrain from spanking as a means of discipline.

A study found on CBC News has said, "They found that spanking and other corporal punishment is associated with an increased probability of verbally and physically coercing a dating partner to have sex; risky sex such as premarital sex without using a condom; and masochistic sex such as spanking during sex".

Learn more about this author, Erinn Soule.

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