London - If you’re one of those parents who find a light tap on the bottom is the best way to stop a child misbehaving, this news may come as a shock.
For instead of making children obedient, scientists say smacking makes their behaviour worse.
The most comprehensive study to date found those who had been smacked were more likely to behave antisocially, with a higher chance of being aggressive and having poor mental health.
The “incredibly consistent” results came from 75 studies involving 150 000 children and spanning 50 years. Researchers from the University of Texas and University of Michigan said smacking “does the opposite of what parents usually want it to do”.
Debate has raged over smacking, which is legal in Britain if it is “reasonable” and does not cause injury.
Many parents feel because they were smacked themselves and turned out fine they should do the same to their children. But the study contradicts this.
Smacking was defined as open-handed hitting – even very lightly – on the behind or extremities such as the hand. It was linked with 17 negative outcomes including being aggressive. Study author Dr Elizabeth Gershoff said: “People think if you don’t spank you’re a pushover, but you can be a firm parent with high expectations.”
Daily Mail