8 Reasons Not To Spank Your Kids

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The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against it

In 2018, the American Academy of Pediatrics reached the conclusion that spanking does more harm than good when it comes to the development of children. “One of the most important relationships we all have is the relationship between ourselves and our parents, and it makes sense to eliminate or limit fear and violence in that loving relationship,” said Dr. Robert D. Sege, a pediatrician at Tufts Medical Center, according to the New York Times.

Spanking is linked to depression and anxiety

A University of Michigan study found that childhood spanking can lead to a variety of mental health disorders including depression and anxiety. Spankings were also linked to suicide attempts.

“In childhood, parental use of spanking was associated with low moral internalization, aggression, antisocial behavior, externalizing behavior problems, internalizing behavior problems, mental health problems, negative parent-child relationships, impaired cognitive ability, low self-esteem, and risk of physical abuse from parents,” the study explained. “In adulthood, prior experiences of parental use of spanking were significantly associated with adult anti-social behavior, adult mental health problems and with positive attitudes about spanking.”