First Texas Family Code TFC 2610011c defines abuse of a child in part as physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child excluding reasonable discipline by a parent guardian or managing or possessory conservator that does not expose the child to a substantial risk of harm.

Can you hit your child in texas. According to Texas law hitting a child could constitute assault bodily injury family violence or injury to a child depending on the circumstances. The law punishes anyone who either abandons or endangers a child age 15 or under. Even if you are charged with injury to a child there is a defense related to the reasonable discipline of a child.

The Texas Penal Code provides a defense for parents charged with Injury to a Child under Section 2204 when the force was used to reasonably discipline the child. Many families strongly believe in spanking as a means of punishment for example. The level of force involved however.

No spanking is not illegal in Texas under most circumstances. Spanking or paddling isnt considered abuse as long. It all depends on how hard you slap them.

Of course the purpose of a spanking is to cause pain so a child will associate painful consequences with a bad choice. Hitting a child in anger. And when it may be illegal to spank a child in Texas.

For example according to section 2204 of the Texas Penal Code a person who intentionally and knowingly causes serious bodily harm to a child under 14 years of age can be charged with a first degree felony. This is where many parents come apart on the issue of discipline. Other families believe that spanking is a form of child abuse.

Striking a child above the waist. If you leave a mark and someone notices youre probably going to get a visit. Your child made the choice to hit you take drugs or destroy your neighbors property and he should be held accountable for his choices.