Disciplining A Child
RCW 9A.16.100 — reasonable and moderate, and a list presumed unreasonable
In Washington, the physical discipline of a child is not unlawful when it is reasonable and moderate and is inflicted by a parent or guardian for purposes of restraining or correcting the child. The section also states a policy of encouraging methods of correction and restraint that are not dangerous to children.
Presumed unreasonable. Throwing, kicking, burning or cutting a child; striking a child with a closed fist; shaking a child under age three; interfering with a child's breathing; threatening a child with a deadly weapon; or any other act likely to cause, and which does cause, bodily harm greater than transient pain or minor temporary marks. The list is illustrative and not exclusive, and the child's age, size and condition and the location of the injury are considered.
Anyone else. Force on a child by anyone other than a parent or guardian is unlawful unless it is reasonable and moderate and authorized in advance by the parent or guardian, or, for an educator in an educational setting, complies with the limits on student isolation and restraint.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionAny mark on a child makes it abuse | What the law actually doesThe line drawn is bodily harm greater than transient pain or minor temporary marks |
| The assumptionA babysitter may discipline like a parent | What the law actually doesOnly reasonable and moderate force authorized in advance by the parent or guardian |
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 Washington attorney reads a specific situation.
Sources for this section (1)
- RCW 9A.16.100 — Use of force on children — Policy — Actions presumed unreasonable
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.