A new study has confirmed that smacking a child can have serious, negative consequences on their long-term behaviour and demeanour.
Researchers at the University of Texas and the University of Michigan found that kids who are physically disciplined are more likely to develop mental health problems, act aggressively, have cognitive difficulties and be antisocial.
Furthermore, it was concluded that the method has the opposite effect than that intended, in that it usually results in the child acting out more as opposed to improving their behaviour.
The study, the findings of which were published in the Journal of Family Psychology, spanned 50 years and involved more than 160,000 children.
Speaking about the results, Dr Elizabeth Gershoff told news.com.au: “We found that although parents use spanking or smacking with the goal of improving their children’s behaviour, it is linked consistently with the opposite outcome.
“The more children are spanked, the more aggressive and poorly behaved they are. Spanking is also associated with several unintended outcomes.”
She added: “Smacking is never necessary and is almost always counter-productive… As with parenting itself, we need to teach parents what to do instead, not just tell them not to do something.”
This is one of many studies that highlight the negative impacts that smacking can have. Here’s what child psychologist David Carey had to say about the topic.
