New York – The nation’s leading pediatricians’ group has strengthened its advice against spanking and other physical punishment because of the potential for long-term harm.
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In an updated policy released Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that can include aggression, brain changes, substance abuse and suicidal behavior in adulthood.
The academy says research since its 1998 discipline policy led to the update. It says spanking is falling out of favor among parents, especially those with young children. While some parents still believe it can lead to short-term improvements in behavior, studies show spanking is no more effective than non-physical punishment, including timeouts, setting firm limits and establishing unwanted consequences.
The group also suggests putting favorite toys away or reducing screen time.
“Although many children who were spanked become happy, healthy adults, current evidence suggests that spanking is not necessary and may result in long-term harm” the academy advises.
Studies published in the past two decades have bolstered evidence that spanking can make young kids more aggressive and defiant.
Other studies have linked physical punishment in childhood with later brain changes in young adults including reduced gray matter and elevated levels of stress hormones. Suicidal behavior, substance abuse and anger are among other potential long-term consequences of spanking, studies have suggested.
The academy also warns against harsh verbal abuse including shaming kids, citing research linking it with depression and behavior problems in teens.
“Spare the rod spoil the child”, has been replaced with “Spoil the Child”
I got spanked when I was a kid and as a father I spanked my children. So far they are good people, and I also did not seem to have many hangups.
I think the important fact is that the parents love their kids, show them that they are loved, treat them with respect and even more important: stick up for your kids when they get into trouble with teachers and bigger kids. That I believe shows the kids that you are out for their best interests and balances the spankings.
How about whupping these negligent parents who refuse to vaccinate? THEY are the ones who need a darn good spanking.
A little Late for that
Vodoo global warming evolution s studies . Our Torah has tons of Chazal who state to spank .
I’d add that one may never smack out of anger. Best to do what R Yakov ztl said . Wait a day and then spank . But this pc nonsense how bad it is ? Stupidity snowflakes
These are the same idiots that recommend vaccines. Who can listen to them when they poison our children and give them autism, cancer, and brain damage?
I think that how to raise children and how to be / live with a spouse are critical areas that need to be addressed on a national basis.
More than space or army programs, the government should spend money on this behavior sciences in order to make a mentally healthy nation. We have too many divorces.
People don’t know how to deal with each other. We need help with that. This is one of the most important matters in our lives. It is about life.
“It says spanking is falling out of favor among parents”
Here is “proof” for the argument that it increases aggressive behavior, substance abuse and suicides. Watch this:
“As spanking dwindled in the last 30 years, suicides and substance abuse have decreased dramatically”.
חושך שבטו שונא בנו
The reality is that children are much more defiant and bolder than they used to be and are not as submissive to parents and teachers as they used to be in previous generations. Its a general azus ponim that the younger generations have towards the older generation. There is no kovod for authority, which is shown by everyone at large. Giving a putch, a slap or a spanking used to mean something. Nowadays you would just get the same back from the kid, or more. Maybe not immediately, but then next time or later. And the kids just transfer that to other kids in the playground.
Physical punishment may work for a few kids, but in general, this is what I have seen and experienced too. The best form of education is to lead by example.