Scientists: physical punishment is dangerous for children

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A review of research found that corporal punishment of children is ineffective in preventing behavioral problems. Instead, it provokes an increase in problems and other adverse outcomes.

An international team examined studies related to physical punishment, such as flip-flops, and ruled out any behavior that could constitute physical abuse of a child.

“There is no evidence that corporal punishment is beneficial for children,” says Professor Elizabeth Gershoff, senior author of the paper. “All the evidence suggests that physical punishment is harmful to children's development and well-being.”

69 studies were included in the review. The researchers found that corporal punishment was not associated with any positive outcomes for children and increased the risk of abuse or neglect by adults.

The paper indicates that negative outcomes associated with corporal punishment , such as behavior problems, occurred regardless of gender, race, and overall parenting style. The authors also found evidence that the magnitude of negative outcomes for children is greater the more frequently corporal punishment is used.