We now live in a society where disciplining your child can have you ending up in front of a magistrate. I have heard the threat "if you smack me I'm going to call Childline" used by children. Does anyone think that the the implementation of such services can cause problems with child discipline as well as help those who genuinely need help?

It hasn't just happened. In 1974 when I was a child my neighbour actually did call Childline cos her twin sister got an extra chocolate and she was annoyed – she called them to say she was neglected by her parents. The whole thing blew up sky high and they had to prove they were good parents. Worked out in the end though although they do laugh about it now.

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