What Happens When Parents Spank Their Kids
Psychology Today
by The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational ResearchFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Recent research strongly indicates that spanking is ineffective and potentially harmful to children, with long-lasting negative effects on their mental health and development. Despite its widespread practice, studies show that physical punishment increases the risk of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional instability in children, which often persist into adulthood. A 2025 World Health Organization report found that children who are spanked are 24 percent less likely to be developmentally on track compared to their peers, facing higher rates of behavioral issues, academic struggles, and engagement in violent or criminal behavior as adults. The United Nations has deemed physical discipline a violation of children’s human rights, with over 65 countries banning it.
The justification for spanking often stems from cultural acceptance or personal upbringing, but scientific evidence consistently shows its ineffectiveness in correcting behavior. A systematic review published in the journal *Trauma, Violence, & Abuse* analyzed data from 34 studies
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/25/2026