The debate over whether to spank children remains a contentious issue, particularly among new parents in Tanzania and beyond. While many were raised to believe that spanking is an effective discipline method, modern child psychology and research present a different perspective. In fact, experts argue that physical punishment, including spanking and hitting, can lead to a range of negative outcomes for children.
Research has shown that spanking is linked to increased aggression, antisocial behavior, physical injury, and mental health problems in children. A study published in Psychological Science found that children who were spanked by the age of five were more likely to exhibit behavioral problems by age six compared to their non-spanked peers. This correlation is worth considering, especially for parents who are looking for effective discipline methods.
According to psychological scientist Elizabeth T. Gershoff, the lead author of the study, parents spank for various reasons, such as their educational or cultural background or their children's behavior. However, these same factors, known as selection factors, can also predict children's behavior problems, making it challenging to determine whether spanking causes these issues.
Experts argue that spanking is an ineffective discipline method. Dr. Alan Katz, a Yale University psychology professor and director of the Yale Parenting Center and Child Conduct Clinic, notes that "you cannot punish out these behaviors that you do not want." He adds that there is no need for corporal punishment based on the research, and that it is a "horrible thing that does not work."
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against spanking, and in 2018, concluded that it does more harm than good for children's development. Dr. Robert D. Sege, a pediatrician at Tufts Medical Center, notes that "one of the most important relationships we all have is the relationship between ourselves and our parents, and it makes sense to eliminate or limit fear and violence in that loving relationship."
Spanking has also been linked to mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, and even suicide attempts. A University of Michigan study found that childhood spanking can have long-term effects on mental health, and that prior experiences of parental use of spanking were significantly associated with adult anti-social behavior, adult mental health problems, and positive attitudes about spanking.
Furthermore, research suggests that spanking can lead to decreased cognitive ability and self-control in children. A study published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment, and Trauma found that spanking is linked to lower cognitive ability and decreased grey matter. This can have long-term effects on a child's ability to evaluate rewards and consequences, and make informed decisions.
Key points
- Spanking is linked to increased aggression and mental health problems in children.
- Research suggests that spanking is an ineffective discipline method.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against spanking, citing its negative effects on children's development.
