Earliest Memories

United States, have banned the practice, which is increasingly seen as a form of violence. Researchers have reviewed 69 studies from the United States and eight from other countries involving physical punishment such as spanking and excluded any behaviors that could constitute child physical abuse. All the evidence indicates that physical punishment is harmful to children’s development and well-being. Negative outcomes associated with physical punishment, such as behavior problems, occurred no matter the child’s sex, race, or ethnicity and regardless of the overall parenting styles of the caregivers. The researchers also found evidence that the magnitude of negative outcomes for children increased the more frequently physical punishment was used. In the U.S., it is legal in all 50 states for parents to use physical punishment. Given the strength of the evidence that physical punishment has the potential to cause harm to children, policymakers have a responsibility to protect children and legislate to end the use of physical punishment in all settings.