As parents, it is natural to want to discipline our children when they misbehave. Spanking, or hitting a child on the buttocks with an open hand, is a form of discipline that has been used for generations. However, research has shown that spanking is harmful to children and can lead to poor health, social, and developmental outcomes.
The Evidence on Spanking
The evidence on spanking is clear. There have been hundreds of high-quality spanking research studies with a wide variety of samples and study designs. The scientific evidence from these studies has consistently shown that spanking is related to harmful outcomes for children. The evidence has been best demonstrated in two landmark meta-analyses led by Dr. Elizabeth Gershoff. The first paper, published in 2002, reviewed and analyzed 88 studies published in the 62 years prior and found that physical punishment was associated with physical abuse, delinquency, and antisocial behavior. An updated meta-analysis was most recently published in 2016. This reviewed and analyzed 75 studies from the previous 13 years, concluding that there was no evidence that spanking improved child behavior and that spanking was associated with an increased risk of 13 detrimental outcomes. These include aggression, antisocial behavior, mental health problems, and negative relationships with parents.
It is important to note that those who say spanking is safe for a child if done in a specific way are simply expressing opinions. These opinions are not supported by scientific evidence. The research clearly shows that spanking is related to an increased likelihood of many poor health, social, and developmental outcomes. Equally important, there are no research studies showing that spanking is beneficial for children.
Towards Positive Parenting Strategies
It is time to move beyond the debate on spanking and recognize that there are more effective and less damaging ways to discipline your child. There is increasing global recognition of the rights of children to protection and dignity, as inscribed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and in targets within the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eliminate violence. Taken together, these tell us that spanking should never be used on children or adolescents of any age.
So, what are the alternatives to spanking? Research shows that parenting programs specifically aimed at preventing physical punishment can be successful. Some evidence for reducing harsh parenting and physical punishment has been found for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), the Incredible Years (IY) program, and the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP). Other promising home visiting initiatives and interventions taking place in community and pediatric settings are also being examined for proven effectiveness.
Positive and non-physical strategies should be used with children. Here are some examples:
- Time-out: This is a simple and effective way to discipline your child. When your child misbehaves, simply place them in a quiet and boring place for a few minutes. This will give them time to calm down and think about their actions.
- Positive reinforcement: Instead of focusing on negative behavior, focus on positive behavior. Praise your child when they do something good, and give them rewards for good behavior.
- Logical consequences: When your child misbehaves, the consequence should be related to the misbehavior. For example, if your child breaks a toy, they should not be allowed to play with that toy anymore.
- Clear expectations: It is important to set clear expectations for your child’s behavior. When your child knows what is expected of them, they are more likely to behave appropriately.
- Positive reinforcement: This involves praising or rewarding your child for good behavior. Instead of focusing on what they are doing wrong, try to catch them doing something right and let them know that you are proud of them. This can be something as simple as saying “Good job!” or giving them a sticker or small treat. This will help reinforce positive behavior and encourage them to continue to behave well in the future.
- Time-in: Instead of sending your child to their room or putting them in timeout, try a time-in. This involves staying with your child and helping them calm down when they are upset or misbehaving. You can sit with them, talk to them, and help them work through their emotions. This shows your child that you are there for them and that you care about their feelings, which can help them feel more secure and less likely to act out in the future.
- Logical consequences: Instead of using physical punishment, try using logical consequences. This involves allowing your child to experience the natural consequences of their behavior. For example, if your child refuses to clean up their toys, they may lose the privilege of playing with them for a certain amount of time. This helps teach your child responsibility and accountability for their actions, without resorting to physical punishment.
In conclusion, the use of spanking as a form of discipline for children has been extensively researched and the evidence is clear: spanking is associated with a range of harmful outcomes for children, and there are no studies showing that it is beneficial. It is crucial for parents to recognize that there are more effective and less damaging ways to discipline their children, and to seek out positive and non-physical strategies that can help promote healthy development and well-being. The global recognition of children’s rights to protection and dignity, along with the increasing evidence for the effectiveness of positive parenting programs, provides hope for a future where all children can grow up safe, healthy, and happy.
