Florida woman Letina Smith accused of using a stun gun on kids when they misbehaved

A WOMAN has been charged with child abuse after it emerged she was shocking children in her care with a stun gun if they misbehaved.

Police said Letina Smith, from Kissimmee, Florida, initiated a punishment at her home known as "the electric chair".

During the alleged punishment the three children – all under 10 - were forced to lean against a wall with their knees bent for up to an hour and if they moved they were given an electric shock.

The Orlando Sentinel reported that the abuse came to light after one of the children asked a teacher at her primary school not to call home to report her bad behaviour, explaining the punishment it would result in.

Ms Smith reportedly defended the practice, telling police she only threatened the children, who were cousin's kids but who she was raising.

According to the arrest report the girl who reported the abuse said “that the punishment was to get touched with a 'taser.'"

The report went on: "The electric chair consists of the child who is in trouble holding themselves… with their back on the wall and their legs forming a chair. They have to stay there for an hour and if they speak or move Letina will come up to them with the electrical weapon, "taser," and activate and touch them with it."

Another of the children said he was shocked him after he fell asleep in her car.

Ms Smith has been charged and is being held on bail.