Spanking

Spanking is a form of corporal punishment involving the act of striking, with either the palm of the hand or an implement, the buttocks of a person to cause physical pain. The term spanking can broadly describe the use of either the hand or an implement, though certain implements can also be characterized by specific terminology, such as belting, paddling, caning and slippering.

Some parents spank children in response to undesired behavior. Adults more commonly spank boys than girls both at home and in school. In studies of gender differences in the parental use of spanking, most research has found that women use spanking more than men. Research is divided on whether there are meaningful differences in the support for and use of spanking across various American ethnic groups. Many countries have outlawed the spanking of children in every setting, including homes, schools, and penal institutions, while others permit it when done by a parent or guardian. Medical organizations discourage its use in favor of healthier discipline strategies.

Research into spanking consistently indicates detrimental effects, including increased aggression and mental health issues. While this research has received some criticism for definitional and statistical issues, there is still no primary research demonstrating that spanking children is beneficial, with some researchers pointing out that the burden of proof should lie with those who promote its use.