Most kids are pretty clued-up these days, from a very early age, and know exactly what is right and what is wrong when it comes to being smacked etc.

Occasionally when my son is being particularly aggravating (deliberately so!), I'll tell him that if he doesn't stop it right now he'll get a whack - he just laughs in my face and threatens to call Childline LOL.

As annoying as that is, I think it's a good thing that kids are fully aware that they don't have to put up with physical abuse from an adult and that there is someone out there they can go to for help if they need to.

The problem with saying that it is OK to smack kids, is that it is way too easy for lines to get blurred and crossed.