Parents who choose to spank their children when they have disobeyed are among the 90% in the country who have used this form of discipline. However, spanking has been opposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and has been banned in over 30 countries. Spanking is still legal in the United States, but there are laws forbidding the behavior in schools.
Arguments against spanking a child far outweigh the positive views of the discipline. Studies have shown that children who are spanked will grow up to hit their parents or siblings. They are also at risk for being depressed and committing crimes as a juvenile. Children follow the example their parents set forth, and when they are hit, they will likely hit in return at some point. Instead of hitting the child, parents are encouraged to communicate the behavior that occurred and find a peaceful resolution. Small incidents of spanking can be helpful if used in the correct way, but there is no way to know how the child will react. Therefore, it is best to not spank the child.
Groups who are in favor of spanking children would rather have parents talk to their child before any form of physical punishment is used. Parents should attempt the misbehavior with love and kindness at first. If this tactic does not work, two small spanks with an open hand to the rear of the child can be used. Spanking is most effective with children ages 2-6. After the child is spanked, the parent needs to talk to the child and help them to understand why they were disciplined the way they were. As children get older, parents should use timeouts and the removal of privileges as forms of punishment. There has been no definitive research done that would conclude spanking is useful or harmful to children.