Dr. Ana Aznar
Question:
Is spanking child abuse?
Dr. Ana’s Answer:
It depends on where you live. In some countries, any kind of physical discipline (including spanking), is illegal. In other countries, spanking is legal.
The issue is that we should avoid spanking our children as much as we can because it is not good for them. Children that are spanked are more likely to be aggressive, and to have mental health issues. Their relationship with their parents is also likely to be worse. And importantly, children who are spanked are at a higher risk of suffering physical abuse. Why? Because if you spank your child, it is likely that you will need to keep on spanking harder and harder, so that it keeps on having an effect on your child.
I know that many parents think that it is OK to spank their children. But believe me when I tell you that there are a lot of studies on this area: no study has found that spanking has benefits for children. It is true that a few studies have found that it is not bad but no study has found that it is good. So, why do it then? Very often when we do it, it’s because we have lost our temper. If you are losing your temper, it is best to leave the room and come back when you feel calmer than to spank your child.
I hope this information helps. I leave you here some articles that you may also find interesting:
- Is Smacking Your Child Ever OK?
- Is It Illegal for Parents to Smack their Child?
- How to Discipline Your Child: An Age-by-Age Guide
- How to Discipline a 3-Year-Old?
- Can You Discipline a 1 Year-Old?
Love,
Ana
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