Spanking: A Necessary Evil?

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In addition to cognitive damage, spanking also causes long-term damage. One study showed that the more children are hit, the more likely they are to hit others, including peers and siblings and, as adults, the more likely they are to hit their spouses (Problem, 2015). Children look up to their parents for guidance and leadership. When children see their parents spanking them, they will then believe it is okay for them to hit others. A research study done over the course of six decades found the negative long-term effects associated with corporal punishment including; increased delinquent and antisocial behavior, increased risk of child abuse and spousal abuse, increased risk of child aggression and adult aggression, decreased child mental health and decreased adult mental health (Gershoff, 2012). Most parents aren’t aware of these long-term effects, and have no idea what they are doing to their child 20 years from now. Many believe that since they were spanked as a child it is acceptable for them to spank their children. However, we don’t know how children would behave if parents never used spanking as a form of discipline.

The research clearly shows that there are absolutely no positive outcomes from spanking. Children would benefit if parents could learn more positive ways of disciplining. Given the high rates and the popularity of spanking in the U.S., the findings are very important to make known. Policymakers should start to invest their time on educating parents of the risks of spanking and providing possible alternatives; instead of allowing a practice that is associated with mental illness.

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References

Gershoff, E. (2012, March 1). Spanking-Is it Harmful for All Children? EBSCOhost Student Resource Center. Retrieved July 16, 2015, from

Kovac, S. (2014, July 23). Effects of Spanking on Kids' Brains. Retrieved July 16, 2015, from http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/23/health/effects-spanking-brain/

Mackenzie, M., Nicklas, E., Waldfogel, J., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2013). Spanking and Child Development across the First Decade of Life. Pediatrics, Retrieved July 16, 2015, from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/10/16/peds.2013-1227.abstract

Maguire-Jack, K., Gromoske, A., & Berger, L. (2012). Spanking and Child Development During the First 5 Years of Life.EBSCOhost Student Resource Center, 1960-1977. Retrieved July 17, 2015, from

O'Callaghan, K. (2010). Is It Okay to Spank? Retrieved July 16, 2015, from http://www.parenting.com/article/is-it-okay-to-spank

Slade, E., & Wissow, L. (2004). Spanking in Early Childhood and Later Behavior Problems: A Prospective Study of Infants and Young Toddlers. EBSCOhost Student Resource Center, 1321-1330. Retrieved July 16, 2015, from

Tomoda, A., Suzuki, H., Rabi, K., Sheu, Y.-S., Polcari, A., & Teicher, M. H. (2009). Reduced Prefrontal Cortical Gray Matter Volume in Young Adults Exposed to Harsh Corporal Punishment. NeuroImage, Retrieved July 16, 2015, from, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19285558

What's the Problem with Spanking? - Hand in Hand Parenting. (n.d.). Retrieved July 16, 2015, from http://www.handinhandparenting.org/article/whats-the-problem-with-spanking/