Advertisement
Spanking is linked to future behavioral and emotional problems
It’s time for parents to abandon the old adage that kids “deserve a good spanking” every once in a while.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a strong statement in 2018, advising parents not to spank their children, based on a growing pile of studies showing that the disciplinary technique does more harm than good.
“The new AAP statement includes data that show that kids who were spanked in their early years were more likely to be more defiant, show more aggressive behavior later in preschool and school, and have increased risk for mental health disorders and lower self-esteem,” says pediatrician Karen Estrella, MD.
Research over the last 20 years has demonstrated that spanking increases aggression in young children and is ineffective in changing their undesirable behavior, the AAP says. Studies have also linked spanking to an increased risk of mental health disorders and impaired brain development.
The AAP is an influential professional association that represents some 67,000 pediatricians across the country. But this evolution in thinking about parental discipline isn’t just limited to medical professionals — fewer parents raising children today seem to support spanking. In a 2013 poll, about half of parents under the age of 36 reported having spanked their own children. Among all of the older generations, that number was 70% or higher.
While spanking may create a sense of fear in your child in the moment, it won’t improve behavior over the long term. In fact, regular spanking normalizes the act of hitting and can lead to aggressive behavior that encourages continued conflict between you and your child.
“Children view their parents as role models,” Dr. Estrella says. “Aggressive behavior will only generate more negative behaviors in a child.”
In its statement, the AAP also condemned verbal abuse, explaining that yelling in a way that insults, humiliates or shames a child also has negative effects on brain development.
“Research shows that kids exposed to toxic stress have changes in their cognitive capacities later on,” she adds.
Try these three steps to effectively discipline your child:
Advertisement
Dr. Estrella builds on those and other recommendations from the AAP with these additional tips:
“Talk with your pediatrician if those behaviors are common at your kid’s age about what strategies to use,” she adds. “If needed, a pediatric psychologist, as well as community resources can provide parenting classes for additional guidance or support.”
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Setting specific expectations and praising good behavior are crucial to cultivating discipline
‘Active shooter’ exercises may raise both awareness and anxiety
Stay calm, don’t give in and try to refocus their attention
Integrating coping skills into your teen’s daily routine helps turn self-care into a lifelong healthy habit
Tantrums and meltdowns are normal, but you can help your child manage their bigger emotions
Talking in the car, resisting the urge to judge and asking specific questions can help rebuild rapport
Yes, it’s safe for babies starting at about 9 months old and can help clear nasal mucus
Local LGBT centers, online directories, visual cues and gender-affirming care or non-discrimination policies can all be helpful resources and cues
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims