It sure seems like it. My older age is showing...
It seems more like a first world problem. Or I'll even go so far to say an American/Uk/ Canadian/ problem, obviously else where too and not all parents in these places are so flippant with rules. Just more of them than some other places. But I have noticed many other countries that will not hesitate to "bust that ass" of a child that needs it.
It does seem somewhat cultural as well. I know some people in Spain, Italy, Russia, Iraq, from online and we've talked about this. Those parents have no problem whooping that arse. Those adults have massive respect for their elders, and even their society as a whole. They also look down on americans big time in this department.
I do think it human nature during the teen and younger years to feel as if one has a better grip on life that the 'older ones' ....until age and experience sets in. Then many people do change, look back and see just how much of a spoiled shit ass they were.
Some people never see it.
I find myself saying more and more, "those damn teenagers". "those kids need a butt busting", "the kids of today are so spoiled and don't know it", "back in my day if I talked like that", ect... Same thing I heard when I was young from older ones.
Also, haven't many schools stopped spanking? And lots of places parents can get arrested if they spank their child. (calling it abuse) Abusing the word abuse. I'm sure it was necessary in some cases to stop the pyco parents from really abusing kids , but then its gone to far.
Bust those butts!