Smacking children actually makes their behaviour worse, research proves

The report was co-authored by a former member of Seanad Éireann.

The debate surrounding use of physical discipline on children is never-ending, but new research proves that smacking and hitting children as punishment actually worsens their behaviour rather than improving it. A new study examines the impacts physical punishment has on children and their futures. The research focuses solely on physical discipline, which smacking or hitting is considered as, and excludes anything that could constitute as physical abuse. The report found that physical discipline leads to "increases in child behaviour problems" and "worsening behaviour" over time, is not associated with any long-term improvements, and has "detrimental child outcomes." These behavioural issues caused by being punished with hitting or smacking in childhood include violence, aggression and anti-social behaviour later on in life. "Physical punishment is ineffective and harmful, and has no benefits for children and their families. This could not be clearer from the evidence we present," lead author Dr. Anja Heilmann, UCL Department of Epidemiology and Public Health told 22 Words. Co-author Jillian van Turnhout, a children's rights advocate and former Senator in Seanad Éireann, added that the policy granting children in Ireland equal protection from physical harm needs to be reflected on a global scale. "As a former parliamentarian who championed the change in the law in Ireland and directly supported the legislative change in Scotland and Wales, I know the importance of ensuring an evidence base for policy and legislation," she said. "This review has documented compelling evidence that hitting children doesn't work, and in many cases, it is harmful. Countries need to do all they can to ensure that all children have equal protection from all forms of harm, including physical punishment."