A new report by the Christian Institute claims the evidence does not support the view that mild smacking causes harm to children, particularly when delivered in the context of warm and loving parenting.
The narrative review, Does Smacking Contribute to Negative Outcomes for Children?, examines 37 peer-reviewed studies.
It focuses on associations between physical punishment and children's externalising behaviours (such as aggression and antisocial behaviour), internalising behaviours (like mental health issues and low self-esteem), and the moderating role of parental warmth.
