For what it's worth, a "young person" has been defined under in NZ law for years now. It seems a bit weird to use that in a school context, but I'm sure (as with all language change) there'll be plenty of resistance to using the phrase.

I remember you switch legal status from child to young person when you turn 14, can't remember when you're officially an adult.

Hedonistic? really? Where did you read that or did you come up with it all on your lonesome?

Its funny because its true hahaha.

just read ya link nonbreed, so trueee,, i mean, just look at ozzy osbourne's kids ffs!!!

by the way, of all the things the Jetson's are the one thing they're not is an example of a hedonistic lifestyle (trust me).

Right on man, I couldn't agree with you more.

//an't pick up another adult either, or hold their hand while you drag them out of the supermarket or put them in the car for school.//
i dont know too many people who would do that to a stranger. and if one of my friends did that to me, i would probably be like wtf? and start laughing. its when you purposely hurt that person physically where you draw the line, regardless of whether its a mild smack or a full-on hit.
Hitting a child does not teach them a lesson, it simply drills fear into them. Fear, I believe, is not the best basis on which to bring up a child. You should be giving them all the love and support you can; and if they do something wrong, the punishment by no means has to be physical. The idea of teaching control by fear concerns me deeply; there is enough fear in our society as it is....and of course, 'the only thing we have to fear is fear itself'. Think of this idea on a larger scale- "why did America invade Iraq" --fear of weapons of mass destruction. "why do countries develop nuclear weapons?" fear of attack. "why does granny keep a gun under her pillow?" fear that someone will break in. There would be no need for any of this if there was no fear. Its a vicious cycle. Now you're teaching it to your kids so they can keep it going. great one.

//When grownups smack their children, they're unconsciously giving the message that smacking is what you do to solve your problems

Bullshit, Give kids more credit than that. 'Rights' should go hand in hand with 'responsibilities'. Kids need to learn consequences. There is a fundamental difference between a quick, sharp, open handed smack on the back of the legs and abuse and those that can't tell the difference, let alone want a law banning smacking are oxygen thieves.

//Hitting a child does not teach them a lesson, it simply drills fear into them. Fear, I believe, is not the best basis on which to bring up a child.

I agree it should not be the bases, but fear needs to be present in some form or another. Fear of consequences reinforces responsibilities to the self and others. Fear in it's basic form is a survival method. Too much fear is inhumane, but none is irresponsible.

THats why there are so many bad kids out there these days, cause they don't have enough responsibilities. They need to be smacked and be banned from their fav "limp bizkit" and "good charlotte" cds.

by the way, my little talk related more to control by fear rather than literal fear.

//How bout a little personal history then?...

It is tragic that you were hit and unfortunate your mother chose to physically abuse you, however, not every parent is like that nor should they be lumped under the same suspicion. One thing does not lead to another if smacking is not the sole disciplinary measure used. Smacking should be an option that parents can choose whether or not they wish to use, but NOT the only option they do use.

where do you draw the line between discipline and abuse though?

i know many wholesome well-rounded individuals who have never been smacked by their parents in their life.

its just not necessary! may as well eradicate it altogether.

Many lil bastards that are roaming the street these days needs to be beaten!

perhaps the government, instead of spending all this money implementing this new law, should be spending it on an anti-smacking campaign. and a non-violent discipline education scheme.
you are right about there being serious grey areas- which is why i can see why it would be such a hot topic for debate. but it does not change my mind about smacking being wrong.