Abuse is violation of the roles that the parents and children play in the society. Parents are expected to facilitate learning in their children. Methods vary across cultures.
The catch is that children are not as sophisticated as adults; you cannot guarantee that a mere talk will convince a bad student to become a good one. This is why many societies approve physical punishments of children - it's something that children understand well. Even a smart kid, who heard the talk and logically understands that his parents are right, may be unable to restrain himself in some situations. Fear of punishment is a backup control mechanism. Children still learn from their own mistakes; however guidance from parents helps them to survive until adulthood. Too many Sons of Obama manage to stop a bullet with their bodies before they figure out that gangs and crime are not such a good idea.
My comment was largely facetious and meant to be humorous.
Yet, there is truth in it.
The psychological abuse is the greater issue.
It’s somewhat complicated in that instilled discipline is a good thing.
We used to have that in the US. Because we’ve lost our way, we look with a loss of objectivity to Oriental culture because it has a semblance of what we used to have.
But there is a difference between a work ethic and filial piety.
As an American, old time from pre-Revolution immigrants and Cherokee from way back, I know a lot about East Asian culture due to my marriage and extended family and friends.
There’s good and bad in this “trying harder”.