The author opposes corporal punishment based on personal experience and research. Meta-analytic and longitudinal studies associate spanking with short-term compliance but increased aggression and poorer mental health over time. Professional organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend nonphysical discipline. Practical alternatives include removing privileges, clear feedback, routines, positive reinforcement, and modeling conflict-resolution skills.

I don't support corporal punishment

I was smacked as a child and remember the pain and the fear it caused. It did not teach me why a behavior was wrong - it made me wary of my parent and moody as a child. I remain opposed to corporal punishment at home and at school. To me, it models control through fear rather than teaching respect.

What the research finds

Decades of research have found that physical punishment produces mostly short-term compliance and a range of negative outcomes over time. Meta-analytic reviews by researchers such as Elizabeth Gershoff and colleagues conclude that corporal punishment is linked to immediate obedience but also to higher levels of aggression, worsened parent-child relationships, and poorer mental-health outcomes later in life. Professional bodies - including the American Academy of Pediatrics - now advise against spanking and other forms of physical discipline and encourage non-violent methods instead.

Longitudinal studies that follow children over time suggest the link is not only correlation: children who are corporally punished tend to show increasing misbehavior compared with similarly situated children who are not physically punished. Proposed explanations include imitation of aggressive behavior, resentment toward caregivers, reduced self-esteem, and missed opportunities to learn peaceful conflict resolution.

Some jurisdictions have moved to ban corporal punishment in schools and in homes; others still allow it under certain limits. Check local law where you live.

When does discipline become abuse?

Severity, frequency, the child's age, and the intent behind the action matter. A single, light smack may be considered discipline in some places; repeated or severe physical punishment that causes injury or significant fear crosses into abuse. Because lines are not always clear and because research shows risks even with noninjurious spanking, professional advice tends to favor non-physical approaches.

Practical, humane alternatives

  • Use predictable consequences: remove privileges (screen time, outings) tied to the misbehavior.
  • Give brief, immediate, and specific feedback: tell the child which behavior was wrong and why.
  • Employ consistent routines and clear expectations so children know limits in advance.
  • Use positive reinforcement: praise specific good behaviors to increase their frequency.
  • Time-in (calmly teach and co-regulate) and age-appropriate time-outs can work when used consistently.
  • Model problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
These methods teach responsibility and self-control without normalizing physical force.

Final thought

I don't advocate permissiveness; children need boundaries. But the balance between firmness and nonviolence is important. Research and child-care organizations recommend removing privileges and using consistent, explanatory discipline rather than hitting - a choice that preserves trust and teaches better long-term behavior.

  1. Confirm the current number of countries that have banned corporal punishment in the home and/or schools as of 2025.
  2. Verify specific meta-analytic publication years and exact findings attributed to Elizabeth Gershoff and colleagues.
  3. Confirm the exact AAP policy statements and their publication/reaffirmation dates regarding corporal punishment.
  4. Check the origin and sample details of the study that reported "40% of 111 mothers" worried they might hurt their children.

FAQs about Punishment

Is spanking effective?
Spanking can produce immediate compliance, but research shows it is associated with worse long-term outcomes such as increased aggression and poorer parent-child relationships. Experts recommend nonphysical discipline strategies instead.
Is corporal punishment illegal?
Laws vary by country and state. Some places have bans in schools and/or homes, while others permit 'reasonable' physical discipline. Check local legislation for specifics.
When does discipline become abuse?
Physical punishment becomes abuse when it causes injury, is frequent or severe, or instills significant fear. Because harm can occur even without visible injury, many professionals advise against any physical punishment.
What are practical alternatives to smacking?
Use predictable consequences (like removing privileges), clear and immediate feedback, consistent routines, positive reinforcement for good behavior, and teach conflict resolution. Time-ins and age-appropriate time-outs can also help.
Will avoiding physical punishment let children get away with bad behavior?
No. Firm, consistent nonphysical discipline - consequences that match the behavior and opportunities to repair harm - enforces boundaries without modeling violence.