The Idaho Laws Against Child Discipline

• Many states prohibit physical punishment of children. Kathy Quirk-Syvertsen/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  Child discipline laws vary from state to state, and child abuse definitions can vary as well. Some states have different levels of abuse regarding spanking and disciplining a child. Discipline is an important ingredient in raising a child; however, discipline and abuse are two very different things. Idaho has laws specific to child abuse and what kind of discipline will not be tolerated.

Idaho Law

• The OLR Research Report states that Idaho considers child abuse to be any action that can cause great bodily harm and even death. If a child suffers from unjustifiable pain or mental abuse, or is put in any type of situation that could be dangerous, the adult in charge could be charged with child abuse.

  Kidjacked.com also states it is illegal in the state of Idaho to cause physical cruelty in excess of what is reasonably needed for proper discipline.

Physical Discipline

• Idaho has laws restricting corporal punishment in group homes and foster homes; however, it has no laws regarding physical punishment in family child care, child care centers and in schools, according to stophitting.com.

Sentencing

• Right now, the sentence for anyone committing child abuse is one to 10 years. The Idaho Reporter states state senator Joyce Broadsword was trying as of January 2010 to get that sentence doubled to a maximum of 20 years.