The Case Against Spanking

Jul 4, 2011
Susan Barton

Children Playing - Public Domain Images

For generations, spanking has been an accepted form of child discipline. But does that mean it's right? There have been compelling studies that say no.

I wrote an article a few years ago about why I felt you shouldn’t spank your child. I got some pretty awful comments from mothers who stand by their decision to spank their children. But at the same time, I still stand by my opinion that spanking children is wrong, disrespectful and harmful. And I’m not alone in my judgment.

Tulane University’s research on spanking

A 2010 study on the use of corporal punishment (or CP) conducted by Tulane University found, “Frequent use of CP (i.e., mother's use of spanking more than twice in the previous month) when the child was 3 years of age was associated with increased risk for higher levels of child aggression when the child was 5 years of age.”

What is considered aggressive behavior?

The findings, in my opinion, prove that aggressive behavior breeds aggressive behavior. And why shouldn’t it? If you spank a child for doing something you deem unpleasant or wrong you show him it’s okay to hit people when they do something the child doesn’t like. And what is meant by “aggressive” behavior? The Tulane study showed behaviors such as arguing or screaming; cruelty, bullying or meanness to others; destroying things; fighting and frequently threatening others. With the subject of bullying so current, these findings are a compelling argument against the use of corporal punishment. No parent wants their child to become a bully.

Other disturbing behaviors later in life

In addition to findings that point to increased aggressive behavior in children subjected to frequent spankings, there is also evidence that the practice can cause a tendency to become involved in domestic violence later in life, either as a victim or as an abuser. Also, in a York University article, detailing Dr. David Bakan’s book, Slaughter of the Innocents, we read, "...The buttocks are the locus for the induction of pain in a child. We are familiar with the argument that it is a "safe" locus for spanking. However, the anal region is also the major erotic zone at precisely the time at which the child is likely to be beaten there. Thus, it is aptly chosen to achieve the result of deranged sexuality in adulthood..."

What is considered frequent?

In a recent Southern Methodist University study conducted by psychologist and parenting expert, Dr. George W. Holden, published on June 22, 2011, states, “ it’s not the once or twice a year that a child may be swatted, but it's the kids who are exposed to frequent corporal punishment — that is the concern," Holden said. "Kids need discipline, but centered on mutual respect and love, without potentially harming the child with corporal punishment." It’s important to note that the Tulane study focused on the frequent use of CP, but also interesting to note the study defines frequent as more than twice a month.

Laws against corporal punishment exist

Statutes and laws pertaining to corporal punishment of a child exist for all states and are listed here. But as this site wisely advises, “The existence of these laws should not be considered to be a defense for actually spanking a child in any state in the United States. Family courts have been known to ignore the law. Exercising your rights may be costly and time consuming and you could still lose your case, even though you are in the right.”

Spanking a child out of anger can lead to serious consequences

One thing is for sure, you should never hit a child in the heat of the moment. An angry, stressed parent is not always at his or her most rational. No parent wakes up one day and says “I think I’ll beat my child to death today”, but it happens. Shaken baby syndrome, blindness, spinal cord injury and even death can result when a child is physically disciplined. The truth of the matter is hitting a child often provides an outlet for the caregiver’s own frustration and anger and not as a way to improve a child’s behavior. Consider what your intention is before letting your anger get the better of you.

Now that we know the facts…

When we know better, we do better. In the past, parents unknowingly exposed children to second hand smoke and allowed them to ride bicycles without wearing helmets. We didn’t have the facts about these risks back then. But now we know second hand smoke can cause serious health problems and falling off a bicycle sans helmet can result in a traumatic brain injury. Similarly, we now know there are better ways than spanking to teach a child that inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. There are many more studies detailing the negative consequences of CP. There’s a wealth of additional information here.

Alternative methods to spanking

There is much to be said for time out, taking away privileges, redirecting a child, positive reinforcement, consistency and a great deal of patience goes a very long way when disciplining children. Angry, frustrated parents need a time out too. Take a deep breath, count to 10, call a friend or family member, or do whatever it takes to stop yourself from striking out in anger.

The debate will continue

Tulane concluded their study by saying, “Despite American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to the contrary, most parents in the United States approve of and have used CP as a form of child discipline.” There is little doubt that the debate as well as the act of spanking will continue.