Want a smack? Half of Australia's parents firm believers in 'spare the rod, spoil the child'

In the course of history, the phrase “Do you want a smack?!” has echoed through many households, coupled with the notion of awaiting a paternal reprimand. This perceived efficacy of violence in shaping children’s behavior, however, is at odds with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which deems physical punishment a violation of children’s rights and has led 65 countries to ban it. In Australia, however, it remains legally acceptable for parents to employ reasonable force for disciplinary purposes, making children the only group legally subject to physical punishment. Despite this, a recent research by the Queensland University of Technology reveals that one in four Australians believes physical punishment is essential for proper child-rearing, with half of parents, spanning various age groups, admitting to smacking their kids. The evolving attitudes of newer generations of parents, however, indicate a gradual shift away from physical punishment. Recognizing this trend is crucial, considering that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and 65 countries have already prohibited such practices. What is Physical Punishment? Physical or corporal punishment involves using physical force to induce pain, excluding injury, as a means of disciplining a child for misbehavior. Distinguished from more severe physical abuse, this form of discipline includes actions like smacking, pinching, slapping, or using implements such as a wooden spoon, cane, or belt. Contrary to the belief that smacking improves behavior, research indicates it is ineffective and associated with adverse outcomes, including increased child aggression, internalized problems, strained parent-child relationships, and compromised mental health. Assessing the Landscape in Australia Queensland University of Technology’s groundbreaking study, encompassing over 8,500 Australians aged 16 to 65, provides a comprehensive examination of the state of smacking and physical punishment in Australia. With a sample representative of the national population, the findings reflect the collective sentiments and experiences of Australians. The data shows that 62.5% of Australians aged 16 to 65 experienced four or more instances of smacking or physical punishment during their childhood. Notably, men (66.3%) were slightly more likely to be physically punished than women (59.1%). While younger individuals reported slightly lower rates (58.4%), indicating a modest decline over time, the prevalence remains unacceptably high. Generational Shifts and Changing Attitudes A critical aspect of the findings is the generational shift in parenting practices. Older parents, retrospectively reporting their disciplinary methods, indicated higher usage of physical punishment, with 64.2% of parents over 65 admitting to its use compared to 14.4% of parents under 24. This suggests a positive trend, with younger generations showing a substantial decrease in the use of physical punishment. Despite this progress, 26.4% of Australians still believe physical punishment is necessary for proper child-rearing. The shift is evident, however, as only 14.8% of individuals under 24 share this belief compared to 37.9% of those over 65. Socioeconomic factors also play a role, with disadvantaged individuals 2.3 times more likely to view physical punishment as necessary. Moreover, there is a clear intergenerational transmission of this belief, as parents who experienced physical discipline in their childhood are more likely to endorse and use it with their own children. Advocating for Change The data emphasizes the need for legal reform. With societal attitudes evolving, there is an opportunity for change. Younger generations, less inclined to view physical punishment as necessary, pave the way for legal reforms that align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Encouragingly, numerous evidence-based parenting programs, including the Triple P Positive Parenting Programme, Tuning Into Kids, Parents Under Pressure, and Parent Child Interaction Therapy, offer non-violent strategies for effective parenting. As Australia capitalizes on these societal shifts, there is a chance to break the cycle of violence and provide more children with a nurturing, violence-free childhood. (with inputs from PTI)