I REFER to the letter, "Spanking is not the answer" (my paper, Dec 12).

The saying goes: "Spare the rod and spoil the child."

I have lived in Australia for a couple of years, and I have seen how parents there adopt the softer approach towards their children, which is ineffective in disciplining them.

This method has led to children who are not only ill-disciplined, but disrespectful as well.

The letter made a valid point in stating that spanking may cause emotional scars.

However, instead of completely dismissing this form of punishment, there is a need for a balance between the soft and hard approaches.

Parents can ill afford to adopt only the soft approach.

Counselling may be a valid option, but most children are too young to benefit fully from sessions.

Hence, corporal punishment is still necessary at times.

Mr Sing Keng Loon

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