AS Christian Malcolm Stafford is in favour of punishing children by hitting them with a rod (South Wales Argus , January 17) I wonder if he could kindly state exactly at which point such corporal punishment becomes abuse? Given that such physical violence can, to cite just one example, affect the development of the brain’s orbitofrontal cortex and can lead to a variety of personality disorders and impulsive anti-social behaviours.

Perhaps Malcolm Stafford prefers to use the Bible (a book written by a bunch of superstitious goat herders) as a guide to caring for children but I will stick to 21st century, well-researched scientific advice.

Malcolm Stafford is also remarkably ignorant of the fact that Jesus actually endorsed the entirety of Old Testament Law i.e Matthew 5:18-19. As a guide to modern day morality the Bible is woeful to say the least.

Terry Banfield Cardigan Crescent Cwmbran