Insight: Aug 14

Jenny Brockie returns to host Insight this week, looking at the subject of disciplining children.

This week, parents and children will take centre stage as Insight looks at what is acceptable when it comes to disciplining children.

There are different cultural and generational attitudes to keeping kids in line. Every parent seems to have their own boundaries.

Researchers like Andre Renzaho from Monash University say that migrants from collectivist cultures often find Australian parenting styles too laidback, and are surprised to learn that smacking can be frowned upon. Of course there are also many people born here in Australia who say there is nothing wrong with the occasional smack.

Corporal punishment is legal in Australia, so the question remains whether parents should have the freedom to discipline their kids as they see fit.

The program will look at other methods of keeping kids in line – from time out, removal of smartphones and games, withholding food, or, as one of the guests puts it simply, “the Look”.

Tuesday at 8.30pm on SBS ONE.