inputs from other parents about time-out

I want to ask this question so I can have others input on this: Is it wrong to put a child on the basement step for time-out?

I try talking to my mother about this and she got all mad and said that should be reported as abuse. I will explain the same way I try to my mother. The child was acting up and needed to go to time-out and her mom said to her if you act up you go to the basement step for time-out. So the child went to the basement step (with the light on and door open and it's the step that from the floor meet the first step of the basement) and stay there for 10mins and for those 10mins the mother is standing close by just in case. Then after the 10min pass she told the child she can go and play again.

I know every mother have different ways of putting a child in time-out, but is the basement step is a bad place to put one for time out or it one of those places anyone can put a child for time out?

Also I want to ask is it wrong to lock a child in the basement for time out? (Note: I know that wrong to lock them inside but I don't and never will do that)  Any inputs on this is welcome.

[specialmom]

HI,  I don't think it is bad to put a child on a step basement or otherwise for time out.  The mother is staying there, so it is okay.  10 minutes can be a bit long.  The usual rule is a minute for each year they are.  

I personally wouldn't lock my kids in somewhere but I will tell you that for a child that has aspergers or such, that is the usualy the expert's suggestion.  Locking in the basement has a negative conotation to it (ours is finished with a big tv and toys, not exactly torture!)----

I guess the important thing is if it is discipline and the child is compliant with it learning-----  it sure beats what many parents do to their kids.  Yikes!!  

[margypops]

I personally believe a time out place should still be in rooms where the family are or nearby, bottom of regular stairs ,corner chair,  ,the point is the child has to stay there ,thats what they dont like ,so I say No to the basement step, and a big NO to any child being shut in a room as a punishment ..Basements can be scary..