Children Who Are Spanked May Struggle in School and Social Settings: Study

New York: A new international study warns that physically punishing children — such as spanking, hitting, or shaking — can seriously harm their mental and physical health, learning ability, and relationships. The findings were published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour and are based on an analysis of 195 studies conducted between 2002 and 2024.

Researchers from New York University’s Steinhardt School reviewed data from studies covering 92 low- and middle-income countries. They looked at 19 different outcomes linked to how children grow, behave, and learn. The results clearly showed that children who are physically punished often face more negative consequences than those who are not.

The study found that physical punishment is linked to weaker parent-child relationships and higher chances of children becoming either victims or perpetrators of violence later in life. It also increases the risk of mental health problems like depression and anxiety, physical health issues, substance abuse, poor sleep quality, and poor performance in school.

Children exposed to physical punishment were also more likely to develop social and emotional problems, such as difficulty making friends, managing emotions, or behaving appropriately in school. Their ability to think clearly, solve problems, and use language effectively was often impaired. Some even showed delays in early development and motor skills.

Lead researcher Jorge Cuartas, assistant professor of applied psychology at NYU, said the results show that physical punishment is harmful across all cultures and income levels. “There is no evidence that physically punishing children leads to any positive outcome,” he noted. “It’s time for global efforts to end this practice.”

Since 2006, the United Nations has urged countries to ban corporal punishment. So far, 65 countries — mostly high-income nations — have implemented such bans. The study’s authors hope their findings will help governments worldwide take stronger action to protect children from harm and promote healthier, more supportive forms of discipline.