There used to be a time when spanking your child to discipline them was the norm.
Now, it can be seen as excessive. But how far is too far?
"When it crosses the line and a child shows up with a black eye or marks, welts, things like that, then we have to take it to the next level," says Angela Hamil-Willis.
Hamil-Willis is a counselor at Madison Middle School in Abilene who sees students on a regular basis who report being abused.
When a report is made, school officials are required by law to notify authorities.
She explains, "We can't judge if it's factual or something that's made up by the student. Our job is to take that information and then immediately contact CPS."
There are times when a child may exaggerate, but that has to be determined by authorities.
School officials cannot take the risk of letting something as serious as abuse slip under the radar.
"We want them to be safe here and we want them to be safe when they go home. If something is deemed unsafe by the proper authorities, then it has to be dealt with," says Hamil-Willis.
Every parent has their own way of disciplining their child. What works for one child may not work for another.
But Hamil-Willis suggests one classic way to avoid going too far-old fashion conversation.
She says, "Talk about your day, talk about the things that are bothering you. If he's not cleaning up his room, like he should be, then talk about it. Don't wait until you have to react maybe in a way that's unhealthy."
Now, it can be seen as excessive. But how far is too far?
"When it crosses the line and a child shows up with a black eye or marks, welts, things like that, then we have to take it to the next level," says Angela Hamil-Willis.
Hamil-Willis is a counselor at Madison Middle School in Abilene who sees students on a regular basis who report being abused.
When a report is made, school officials are required by law to notify authorities.
She explains, "We can't judge if it's factual or something that's made up by the student. Our job is to take that information and then immediately contact CPS."
There are times when a child may exaggerate, but that has to be determined by authorities.
School officials cannot take the risk of letting something as serious as abuse slip under the radar.
"We want them to be safe here and we want them to be safe when they go home. If something is deemed unsafe by the proper authorities, then it has to be dealt with," says Hamil-Willis.
Every parent has their own way of disciplining their child. What works for one child may not work for another.
But Hamil-Willis suggests one classic way to avoid going too far-old fashion conversation.
She says, "Talk about your day, talk about the things that are bothering you. If he's not cleaning up his room, like he should be, then talk about it. Don't wait until you have to react maybe in a way that's unhealthy."
