Bulgarian Parents Divided over Smacking as Child-Rearing Practice

Parents say they can be trusted to know the difference between the odd slap and repeated physical abuse, but sometimes are left with no choice. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency

The majority of Bulgarian parents do not support the liberal use of smacks, even light ones, a survey shows.

According to a poll, conducted by the non-government organization National Network for Children, 39% of Bulgarian parents admit to lightly smacking their children, a practice banned in countries from Sweden to Germany.

At the same more than 80% of the respondents condemn all acts of violence against children and say they will immediately alert the authorities if they witness a kids' humiliation.

Only 6% of the respondents say they have no taboo against smacking in public: many a harassed parent can be seen apologetically slapping a tot in a park or supermarket.

Parents say they can be trusted to know the difference between the odd slap and repeated physical abuse, but sometimes are left with no choice.

Vocal child-protection groups argue that smacking, however occasional, may mask a serious problem, undermines children's confidence, weakens their emotional relationships, and encourages the use of violence to resolve disputes.

Surveys show that the more educated the parents are and more developed the environment they are raising their kid in, the more sentimental and indulgent the child-rearing practices get.

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