New Research Links Physical Punishment to Poorer Academic and Social Outcomes for Children
A significant new study has revealed a concerning correlation between children experiencing physical punishment, such as smacking, and negative outcomes in their academic performance and social behaviour. The findings are prompting renewed calls for the practice to be outlawed across England and Northern Ireland, aligning with legal frameworks already in place in Scotland and Wales.
The research, spearheaded by Dr. Anja Heilmann, a public health expert at University College London, analysed data from almost 20,000 children born between 2000 and 2002. The study found that a substantial proportion of these children – one in five – had been subjected to some form of physical punishment by the age of ten.
Key Findings of the Research:
- Academic Impact: Children in England who experienced physical punishment at the ages of three, five, and seven were found to be 5.7 per cent more likely to fall short of achieving five GCSE grades at A* to C (equivalent to grades nine to four under the current system), including essential subjects like English and Maths. This indicates a tangible negative effect on their educational attainment.
- Behavioural Concerns: The study highlighted a stark increase in the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviours among children subjected to physical discipline. Those experiencing physical punishment at all three assessed ages (three, five, and seven) were 40 per cent more likely to exhibit behaviours such as bullying or physically assaulting others by the age of 14. This propensity continued, with a 26 per cent increased likelihood of such behaviours observed at age 17.
- Sibling Aggression: Furthermore, children who are hit are also significantly more likely to report bullying their siblings, showing a 41 per cent increased chance of such actions.
A Call for Legal Reform:
Dr. Heilmann emphasised that the findings reinforce existing evidence suggesting that physical punishment offers no discernible benefits and is, in fact, linked to detrimental effects on a child’s development and overall wellbeing. “Our findings corroborate previous evidence that physical punishment has no benefits and is linked to detrimental outcomes for children’s development and wellbeing,” she stated. “Therefore, our main recommendation is that England and Northern Ireland should follow Scotland and Wales and remove the legal defence of reasonable punishment.”
In Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, striking a child is already outlawed. However, in England and Northern Ireland, a legal defence of “reasonable punishment” still permits parents or carers to physically discipline their children. Recent attempts to legislate against physical punishment have stalled in both Northern Ireland and England, primarily due to a lack of government support. Globally, 70 countries have now banned the use of physical punishment against children, and there is a growing movement for England to join this international consensus.
Support for a Ban:
Members of Parliament and child welfare organisations have voiced strong support for legislative change. Labour MP Jess Asato commented on the report’s implications: “This latest report from UCL confirms that physically punishing children does not improve behaviour and is instead linked to a range of poor life outcomes, including ones which cost the state money. The Government must act on the recommendations of this report urgently. Scotland and Wales have already shown there is a way forward that works. Now it is time for England to follow.”
Joanna Barrett, Associate Head of Policy at the NSPCC, echoed these sentiments. “It is unacceptable that in England and Northern Ireland the law still allows a parent or carer to physically punish a child in the name of discipline. This UCL research shows yet again that physical punishment does not improve children’s behaviour and in fact has an adverse impact on their wellbeing and links to poorer outcomes in the future. Like is already the case in Scotland and Wales, children in England and Northern Ireland should be afforded the same protection from assault as adults. It’s time to change the law and remove the defence of reasonable punishment once and for all.”
A Divergent Viewpoint:
However, not all experts share the view that physical punishment inherently leads to negative developmental outcomes. Professor Robert Larzelere, an expert in human development and family science at Oklahoma State University, has previously argued that a complete ban might be a misstep.
Professor Larzelere suggested that, in certain circumstances, physical discipline can be an effective tool. “The aim is to show children that there are consequences for not cooperating with parents’ attempts to resolve bad behaviour verbally or, when necessary, with a mild negative consequence,” he stated. He further contended that, when applied correctly, smacking can be beneficial and improve children’s lives in the long run, citing it as one of the most effective measures, alongside isolation, for preventing oppositional defiance – the scientific term for problematic behaviour.
Despite this dissenting opinion, the overwhelming consensus from the latest research, alongside advocacy from prominent child welfare organisations and political figures, points towards a growing momentum for England and Northern Ireland to align with other parts of the UK and a significant number of countries worldwide by prohibiting physical punishment of children.
