Yes, it is Legal to Slap your Child in the Face in the US.
- No federal law prohibits parents from hitting their children. However, state laws dictate what is considered reasonable discipline vs. child abuse.
- Slapping a child in the face is almost always considered excessive force. Such an act causes pain and raises the potential for physical injury. It can also have emotional consequences.
- The line between discipline and abuse is thin and varies state by state. Factors like intent, the force used, the child’s age, and whether the child sustained injuries will all be considered by a court.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly opposes all forms of corporal punishment due to the risk of escalating harm to the child. Many legal analysts argue that any physical punishment can open the door to abuse and that the distinction between discipline and abuse is difficult to enforce legally.
If you’re concerned about the treatment of a child, there are resources available. Contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at (1-800-422-4453) for assistance and advice.
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