Since the passing of Sue Bradford's  anti smacking bill, youth crime rate and truancy from school has grown every year. We are now facing a generation of teenagers who have absolutely no respect or regard for parental and school authority, with some children taking it to the level of blackmail against parents and teachers, 'if you don't I'll say you hit/touched me'. This is getting wildly out of control, with more and more youths appearing in our justice system for violent offenses something needs to be done. I'm not advocating for beating children with jug cords or sticks, nor with closed fists and kicks, just the ability for a parent, after other methods of discipline have failed, ie grounding, loss of devices, time out ect, to have the option of an ope  palm 'smack' across the buttocks, not the head, back or legs, just a good old fashion smack on the arse.

Yes, the child abuse rates in NZ are abhorrent,  children should not be beaten, starved, abused or shamed, but parents NEED a tool that commands respect and obedience for the rules, what do you do, as a parent,  when your 12 year old looks you dead in the eye and says 'make me' after you've asked them three times to pick up their own laundry, lunchbox, tidy their room ect? What to do when they decide to scream at you 'I fuxking hate you' after you take their devices? What to do with a six year old who pokes tongues and pulled fingers instead of brushing their teeth after watching teenage siblings do the same thing? What final resort is there? A fair smack on the backside, I don't pretend to be the greatest parent in the world, I'm not, I make mistakes on a regular basis, but one thing I always knew was right from wrong, respect for parents  and teachers,  what was the founding? A fair smack on the bum from mum or grandmother for anything less that exemplary behavior,  if Kiwis don't want this then they won't agree, but if your a parent,  nearly at your wits end then please sign, then atleast we may be able to have the conversation again about appropriate parental discipline.