This is the Watchtower for April 1, 2006, page 9.
'Parents be a Fine Example for your Children.'
'....Of course, children are children, and some are prone to be contrary, even wayward. (Genesis 8:21) What can parents do? 'Foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy; the rod of discipline is what will remove it far from him,' says the Bible. (Proverbs 22:15) Some view this as harsh treatment that is out-of-date. Actually, the Bible is against violence and abuse of any sort. THE 'ROD' THOUGH AT TIME LITERAL, represents parental authority that is administered firmly but lovingly and appropriately out of concern for the children's eternal welfare....'
I have two problems with this paragraph.
The first is, it's OK to administer the 'literal rod'. How will this go down in countries where smacking is banned or do they just get a different issue of the Watchtower?
The second, is 'Actually the Bible is against violence and abuse of any sort.' What?! The God of the Jews was condoning slaughter of young and old all through the OT. People were stoned to death for cheeking their elders etc.
I'm afraid the WTBTS is still into child beating.
Nothing changes there....except perhaps in the Swedish Watchtower.