"But by then he had misled a whole generation of 'modern' parents. You now see the fruits of that stupid experiment all around you."
Really nothing to back up the above in the overall post.Look at the child abuse going on in all States of Australia that is more than likely to create the problems to which you allude. Many many cases are horrific with terrible consequences. Too simplistic to just say the problems are due to the new age thinkng. Perhaps most of the problems come from those that still practice the big stick or big fist approach. Perhaps the majority of kids who are reasonably well adjusted come from stable well adjusted families. I know its not that simple because of other factors including negative peer pressure that can impact on young people.
A bit of a smack or a shove may not do much damage and may be acceptable in some cases but a beating is not on, whether its your child or your spouse.
