More than 40 counties and territories around the world have banned the physical punishment of children.
New Zealand is on the list, but not Australia. Less than 10% of children under the age of five are living in countries where corporal punishment at home is fully prohibited.
For years, different studies have indicated smacking or spanking is linked with an increased risk of negative outcomes for children such as aggression, adult mental health problems, and does little to change undesirable behaviours.
A new study published in Australia in May 2023, recommends law reform to make corporal punishment illegal, initiate a campaign to make the public aware of its negative impacts, and help parents learn about alternative evidence-based strategies to assist in parenting.
Guest: Sophie Havighurst, (BA Hons, Dip Clin Psych, Ph.D.)
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Link to the new study Corporate Punishment of children in Australia: The evidence-based case for legislative reform
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