All over the world, children are disciplined by their families. Sometimes this discipline consists of spanking or hitting children when they misbehave. This is known as corporal punishment. This kind of punishment has long been used in both homes and schools in the U.S., but it has become less common in schools. In fact, 31 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have now banned corporal punishment in schools. In homes, corporal punishment is still legal in all 50 states. 

Many people are puzzled by those who oppose spanking. They argue that parents have always used spanking as a secure way to teach children to behave better. They point out that they were spanked themselves as children. In a 2010 survey of children in 33 countries, half reported having experienced corporal punishment by their parents. In the U.S., research indicates that 49% of 0-9 year-olds and 37% of 10-17 year-olds experienced corporal punishment during the previous year. Many people ask, would spanking be so common if it didn’t work?

But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against corporal punishment. Research has shown that it mostly does not reduce bad behavior, especially in the long-term. The AAP explains that spanking a child may lead to more aggressive behavior in the child, as well as mental and emotional problems. Corporal punishment can also hurt the parent-child relationship. And spanking does not help children to understand why their behavior was wrong. It may even send a confusing message if families are also telling children not to hit or fight. 

Because of research like this, many children’s rights organizations argue that spanking and other forms of corporal punishment should be outlawed. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has declared spanking a “form of violence” and called for banning it. Both the Council of Europe and the Organization of American States have echoed that call. As a result, as of 2024, 128 countries have outlawed corporal punishment in schools, and 67 countries have outlawed corporal punishment in the home. The U.S. is not among them.

Though no one is in favor of violence against children, many think that parents should have the right to decide whether to spank or not. They argue that making spanking illegal would be a violation of parental rights and an invasion of families’ privacy. They also say it is inconsistent with the traditional values of many people living in the U.S.  

What do you think? Should spanking be outlawed, or should parents have the right to use corporal punishment with their own children?