Times have changed and, thankfully, we no longer live in a society where the wooden spoon is a viable disciplinary tool. If you still feel like the odd smack didn’t do you any harm, however, a new study should convince you it’s entirely the wrong approach, for once and for all.
When 50 years worth of data belonging to 150,000 children was analysed by teams from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Michigan, scientists found undeniable evidence that it had a host of negative long-term affects.
The research showed that children who were smacked were more likely to have issues with aggression and low self esteem, were more likely to suffer from mental health problems and be involved in antisocial behaviour and were more likely to suffer from cognitive difficulties. There were zero benefits.
The findings support previous studies that showed slapping erodes developmental growth in children, directly influencing their learning abilities.
While most Irish people agree that slapping children is wrong, a survey by the Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children found that two in five adults admitted to hitting their children.
Earlier this year the “reasonable chastisement” defence was abolished in Ireland, meaning any parent who slaps their child will not be able to rely on this defence in a court of law.
The removal of the Common Law defence was designed to send a strong message to Irish society that corporal punishment is wrong.
Were you smacked as a child? How did it affect you? Join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.
