How Effective is Spanking?

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — 5 decades of research shows no evidence that spanking children is beneficial.

Experts from the University of Michigan and the University of Texas examined 75 studies, involving more than 160,000 children.

Spanking was shown to lead to increased aggression, cognitive difficulties, and mental health issues.

The analysis focused on what most American parents would recognize as discipline, not abusive actions.

Researchers say while much of society views spanking and physical abuse differently, spanking is linked with the same negative outcomes as abuse, albeit to a slightly lesser degree.