You might not want to admit it, but like 94% of parents, you may have resorted to spanking your child in the last year. This statistic, while focused on parents of toddlers, reflects a broader sentiment; a 2014 survey revealed that 76% of men and 65% of women believed a child sometimes needed a “good hard spanking.” Though these numbers have slightly decreased since 1986, they remain concerning.
Despite its commonality, spanking is a controversial discipline method. A new meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Family Psychology compiled findings from five decades of research involving 160,000 children, demonstrating that spanking is detrimental to children. This study is being hailed as the “most comprehensive analysis to date” on the consequences of spanking.
According to researchers from the University of Austin and the University of Michigan, “The more children are spanked, the more likely they are to defy their parents and experience increased anti-social behavior, aggression, mental health issues, and cognitive challenges.” That’s alarming.
While previous studies have made similar claims, many failed to differentiate between spanking and abusive behavior. However, researcher Emily Carter asserts that this study is unique because it zeroes in on what most Americans consider spanking—defined as “an open-handed hit on the behind or extremities”—while excluding abusive actions. The researchers also distinguished the effects of spanking from “other forms of physical punishment.”
The large scale of this study has created significant interest, and unfortunately, the results are not promising. In the short term, Carter states, “We found that spanking…was not linked to more immediate or long-term compliance, which are parents’ intended goals when disciplining their children.” In simpler terms, swatting your child won’t necessarily make them listen or learn a lasting lesson.
In fact, Carter tells the Chicago Tribune, “Spanking exacerbates children’s behavior. It has the opposite effect parents intend.” It doesn’t foster better behavior or understanding of right and wrong, nor does it correlate with immediate compliance or improved future behavior. So, when Junior continues with that annoying noise despite your repeated requests, a swift smack won’t encourage him to stop.
Moreover, the study revealed that spanking is not just ineffective—it can be harmful. “Spanking increases the likelihood of a wide range of negative outcomes for children,” notes researcher Mark Stevens. The analysis examined how adults who were spanked as children turned out, and the findings were disheartening. Those who experienced spanking were more prone to anti-social behavior, mental health issues, aggression, and delinquency. They also showed higher tendencies towards anxiety and depression, and were more likely to endorse physical punishment for their own offspring.
Perhaps most troubling is that researchers found spanking and physical abuse were “associated with the same negative child outcomes, both in direction and nearly in strength.” “We often see spanking and physical abuse as separate,” Carter explains. “However, our research indicates that spanking is linked to the same adverse effects as abuse, albeit to a slightly lesser extent.” Given that around 60% of children globally are spanked or subjected to physical punishment, according to UNICEF, this is a hard reality to face.
As psychologist Lisa Green from Stetson University points out, parents who resort to spanking may also employ other disciplinary methods, some of which may be harsher, meaning that it’s difficult to isolate the effects of spanking from overall abusiveness. Other research indicates that the impact of spanking can vary based on frequency, reasons for spanking, and the age of the child. Additionally, there remains the question: Do children act out because they are spanked, or are they spanked because they act out?
Regardless, Carter emphasizes that the best course of action for parents is to refrain from spanking. Responding to the argument that “I was spanked, and I turned out fine,” she counters, “We turned out fine because our parents employed other methods—like discussing behavior at the kitchen table and explaining why they wanted us to behave. We thrived in spite of spanking, not because of it.”
And in the realm of parenting, knowledge is power. “In my childhood, seat belts weren’t standard in cars,” Carter reflects. “I don’t believe I turned out fine because my parents didn’t use them; I believe I turned out fine because we never encountered an accident.”
Parents will likely continue to debate the merits of corporal punishment, regardless of research findings. Ultimately, the decision on how to discipline rests with each individual parent. However, I will strive to avoid spanking, as Carter points out, “Studies consistently show that spanking predicts negative behavior changes—no studies have shown that children improve as a result.”
For additional resources on parenting and alternatives to spanking, check out Modern Family Blog‘s authoritative articles on the topic. If you’re considering home insemination methods, you can also learn more about options like the BabyMaker at-home insemination kit or explore in-vitro fertilization for pregnancy guidance.
Summary
Research consistently indicates that spanking is not only an ineffective disciplinary strategy but can also lead to harmful long-term outcomes for children, including increased aggression and mental health issues. The latest comprehensive study highlights the need for parents to reconsider their disciplinary methods in favor of more constructive approaches.