Physical Punishment

Research found that physical (corporal) punishment–like spanking–increases the risk of harm to a child’s overall development. Corporal punishment has been linked to:

• Increased aggression and delinquent behaviors
• Decreased supportive parent-child relationships
• Decreased child mental health
• Increased physical abuse of children
• Increased adult aggression and criminal behaviors
• Decreased adult mental health
• Increased risk of abusing spouse or child as an adult

(Gershoff, E. (2002). Corporal punishment by parents and the associated child behaviors and experiences: A meta-analytic and theoretical review. American Psychological Association, 128, 539-579.)

Corporal punishment may seem to stop problematic behavior in the moment; however, the use of corporal punishment does not promote long-term learning or build necessary childhood skills to effectively self-manage. The use of physical punishment, such as spanking, is often a reactive response of adult frustration or anger.

Additional information on the risk and effects of corporal punishment can be found here: http://www.thisisanohitzone.org/ncptc/center-for-effective-discipline/

You might also be interested in:

• SCAN’s No Hit Zone Initiative
• Anger Management
• Positive Discipline