The negative effects of smacking young children last for years

Smacking young children can negatively impact temperament and behaviour well into their teenage years.

Years of research has long indicated that physical punishment, such as smacking, has negative consequences on child development. Until now, most studies have looked at the short-term associations (less than one year) between discipline and development. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found that physical discipline experienced during infancy can negatively impact temperament and behaviour among children in fifth class (aged 10 and 11) and into their teenage years. Professor Gustavo Carlo, director of the university's Centre for Family Policy and Research, analysed data from 1,840 mothers and children. The professor and his team collected information when children were approximately 15 months old, 25 months old and in fifth class. The team found that children who experienced severe punishment at 15 months were more likely to exhibit increased aggressive and delinquent behaviours later on. Professor Carlo says smacking and physical punishments have a long-lasting impact:

"Our findings show how parents treat their children at a young age significantly impacts their behaviour. It is very important that parents refrain from physical punishment as it can have long-lasting impacts. If we want to nurture positive behaviours, all parents should teach a child how to regulate their behaviours early."