Disciplining A Child
G.S. 7B-101 — cruel or grossly inappropriate procedures to modify behavior
In North Carolina, the juvenile code defines an abused juvenile, and among the ways it lists is a parent, guardian, custodian or caretaker who uses, or allows to be used, on the juvenile cruel or grossly inappropriate procedures or devices to modify behavior.
Injury and risk of injury. The definition also reaches a parent, guardian, custodian or caretaker who inflicts or allows to be inflicted on the juvenile a serious physical injury by other than accidental means, or who creates or allows to be created a substantial risk of one.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionThe juvenile code forbids all physical discipline | What the law actually doesIt names cruel or grossly inappropriate procedures or devices, and serious physical injury |
| The assumptionAbuse requires an injury | What the law actually doesA substantial risk of serious physical injury is enough |
Whether particular discipline crossed the line is decided on the facts of the case, and what happens when child protective services opens an investigation is a separate question. A licensed North Carolina attorney reads a specific situation.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.S. 7B-101 — Definitions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.