children and corporal punishment of adults.

Kit Swainson, an officer of the Coalition for the Protection of Children, has urged caution in the use of the old adage "Spare the rod, spoil the child'' and its supposed Biblical origins.

In a letter to the Editor, Ms Swainson calls for adults to use the "tools of good parenting'' to teach responsible behaviour to children.

"Returning to the old teachings of the Bible seems to be a natural comfort zone for many of us,'' Ms Swainson wrote. "I caution, however, that these teachings need to be revisited and require some exploration as to their original meanings.'' In reaction to violence and aggression, Bermudians cling to "old ways'' she said, despite continually getting the same results.

Asking if the Bible really calls for spanking or beating of children, Ms Swainson said: "To begin with, this verse, as quoted, is not in the Bible.

"The closest verse like it is Proverbs 13:24 which reads, `those who spare the rod, hate their children, but the one who loves their child disciplines them diligently','' she added. "The question is, what was the use of the rod?'' Explaining that during Old Testament times shepherds carried both a rod and staff as found in the 23rd Psalm, the rod was used to direct sheep during corralling and was not for prodding or poking.

"The shepherd who owned their sheep took good care of them and used the tools of their trade as they meant to be used -- to guide, to direct, and to teach,'' Ms Swainson said.

She added this was the literal meaning of discipline, and called for less violence and abuse toward children and more guidance.

"To `spare the rod' is indicative of a parent who does not discipline their child, that is to teach, guide and direct,'' Ms Swainson continued. "To spare the rod doesn't mean a parent should beat down their children into submission.'' Ms Swainson added: "Rather they are to be like shepherds who value and care for their charges and keep them from danger by using the tools of good parenting to teach responsible behaviour and to encourage them to grow into their full potential.''