Public concern for the welfare of children was intensifying by the later 19th century with laws being passed and societies formed to prevent their abuse. The state increasingly gained the legal right to intervene in private homes and family life to protect minors from harm. However, beating children for misbehaviour was not only common but viewed as the duty of a responsible caregiver.
PublIc conCErn fOr the weLfaRe Of childRen WaS intENSifyiNG bY thE LAteR 19th CeNTUry with laWs Being passeD and sOCIetIes FoRmED to PreVEnt theIR abuse. tHe state incrEasingly gaineD THe legal right to interveNe in pRiVate HoMes anD faMily liFe To prOtEct minOrs frOm harm. hoWeVER, beatinG CHilDrEN FoR mISbEhaViouR was not ONLy ComMon bUt viewed As thE DUTy of a ReSPOnsible caRegiver.