Physical discipline linked to future aggression

A new Canadian study weighed in Monday with a hard hitting look at spanking. The report says it's never a good idea under any circumstances. Jill Macyshon has more on how physical punishment can lead to very adult problems.

CTV Winnipeg: Should you spank your kids?

What are the long-term effects of parents spanking their children? Josh Crabb has more on a new study.

CTV News Channel: Lasting punishment effects?

Merella Fernandez details a new study that finds corporal punishment in childhood can lead to aggressive behaviours as adults, even among spouses.

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The Canadian Medical Association Journal published results from a study that showed physical punishment with children could lead to serious problems later in life.

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Physical punishment of children: lessons from 20 years of research - CMAJ

CTVNews.ca Staff

Date: Mon. Feb. 6 2012 9:23 PM ET

Parents who tout corporal punishment as a way to discipline children may want to consider sparing the rod, a recent analysis has found.

Children who are physically punished for misbehaving tend to be more aggressive and antisocial later in life, according to an analysis published in the latest edition of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

After combing through 20 years of research, the authors of the report concluded that there appears to be a link between corporal punishment and hostile behaviour.

That means a spanking used to admonish a disobedient child could actually be promoting the very behaviour it was meant to stop.

"These studies found that physical punishment was associated with higher levels of aggression against parents, siblings, peers and spouses," co-author Dr. Joan Durrant wrote in a news release.

Corporal punishment has been linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, the analysis pointed out. Neuroimaging studies also suggest that striking a child may change areas in the brain linked to performance on IQ tests.

Under Canada's Criminal Code, parents are allowed to use force to discipline a child as long as the punishment is "reasonable."

Many, including Andrea Mrozek of the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada, have come out in support of spanking as an effective disciplinary measure as long as it is used "appropriately."

In the CMAJ analysis, however, authors found that not raising one's hand to a child can be a more effective way to parent.

When parents in more than 500 families were asked to reduce their use of corporal punishment, the analysis found that their children misbehaved less.

The findings run contrary to a 2010 U.S. study that suggests children who are spanked may become happier, more productive adults. The contentious research out of Calvin College, a Christian school in Michigan, claimed that children who are spanked may grow into more positive individuals.

Still, it appears that in Canada, opposition against corporal punishment is mounting. More than 400 organizations have endorsed the Canadian Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth, a document that argues the physical punishment of children and youth is ineffective.

The joint statement was developed by a coalition of six organizations including the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), the workplace of Ron Ensom, who co-authored the CMAJ analysis.

Comments are now closed for this story

Mary
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There is a difference between scratching your head and pulling your hair out! My generation was spanked and out of seven of us no one has anger problems or been in trouble with the law.We knew what no meant and also knew by the look we got from our parents if we were pushing our luck. They never yelled or counted backwards. Our parents demanded respect and got it. We knew our parents loved us and we were always home before curfew or we were grounded and all our friends knew about it.If a kid got in trouble with the law we were warned to stay away from them. If you got in a fight at school you were in trouble with your parents when you got home. Spanking never hurt any of us!!

dave
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I went to a boy's school in Scotland as a child and was beaten very hard when I did anything wrong. I am not physically aggressive at all nor are any of my friends from school. My son, who I spanked however is into drugs and is very aggressive. Not sure if I did the right thing by spanking him. Was it the spankings or the bleeding hearts telling him what a poor boy he was that sent him over the edge. I think society has changed and as long as he feels like a victim, he will not take responsibility for his actions

Ron Crittall
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I believe a preponderance of families still use spanking the belt or strap as the major punishment for children who misbehave, and if corporal punishment isn't used they most likely are loud and call the children all types of bad names, regardless of whether the child deserves it. Whichever of the two you choose assaulting your child physically or verbally it may curb the behaviour but at what cost?. And we wonder why we have so many problems with so many of the kids in our schools ADD, ADHD and a litany of other similar problems. Think about it could the bullying epidemic somehow relate to how discipline is meted out at home? I do believe that striking a child is child abuse, and yelling and screaming at them and calling them all manner of names is also abuse. Those who do not strike their children but call them all sorts of bad names and do it in a loud and angry manner also damage the child. With either corporal punishment or verbal abuse, you will have created some type of damage to the child's very delicate psyche, and it will definitely have long term effects on them.

spanked
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Hmm, I look at teenagers now and 20-40 years ago. They're trying to say kids are less violent now? Um, what planet are you living on? Here on earth the non spanked are the ones whose actions parents can't control, the ones in gangs,doing drugs, and committing violent crimes. I think it's clear what works and what doesn't.

Meg
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Leave the Criminal Code provisions how they are. They are appropriately restrictive. Children do far better in their home (even an imperfect one, if they are loved) than in foster care or group homes!I was spanked as a child, as were my sisters, and we are well-adjusted, respectful, stable citizens. I'm an honours student and a socialite. My older sister is married with two lovely kids and also works the corporation of which her husband is president. My younger sister is an amazing seamstress and one of the most caring, giving people you'll ever meet. None of us have ever used drugs, abused alcohol, gotten into physical fights or trouble with the law. I think, as someone else said, it is bad parenting in general that encourages aggression. Spanking was only one of the forms of discipline my parents used on us, and they were careful not to administer it in anger. It was never a swat to the head, never left any harm or bruise and was never done in public. They made sure we knew they didn't want to hurt us and why we got spanked. We knew better than to act out, especially in public. We also grew up with lots of hugs, play time with daddy, and trips to the park, etc. We knew we were loved, and that they cared enough to try to shape us into responsible, kind people that realized the world wasn't all about us! We each have a great relationship with our parents and each other, as well as with our significant others and friends. It's the general parenting that's the issue, not the minor details.

John Thompson
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Who dreams this stuff up. We have liberalized discipline to the point where most of us fear looking at our kids the wrong way let alone raise a hand to them. The reward for this - probably the most self-centered, undisciplined and violent generation of youth ever raised. They are spoiled, demanding, and obsessed with their own well being over the greater good of others. AND yes there are a lot of great kids out there doing good deeds. We, the adults who let things get to this point are to blame for listening to these so called experts. I don't believe in 'hitting' a child, but discipline in the form and a light tap on the backside or knuckles and removing their privileges is not abuse. If kids aren't given some sort of guidelines in life how do you expect them to learn to act civilly.

Nancy
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How many times have you seen toddlers in malls or grocery stores endlessly screaming because they want a certain toy or food when suddenly the parent apologizes and starts a DISCUSSION with the young child explaining why he cannot get the toy and of course the crying and yelling continue. This is the problem with most parents nowadays, no discipline. As a child, my parents would give us a choice , either stop yelling or suffer the consequences ( spanking) ......effective every time..... and as most pointed out , we also became well adjusted adults.Parents are too busy trying to please their kids and the result is out of control children who want everything on a silver platter and also lack respect for adults.

Puddle Jumper
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I am 67 and I was spanked as a kid but never had to be after about 6 years old. I never got into trouble, I respected people and believed in spaking my children who all 3 grew up to be very good upstanding citizens. It doesn't matter if you have these laws or not there are still going to be people who abuse. But the world is going to hell in a hand basket is all I can say about the mindset of the lawmakers. If there are no consequences for wrong doing then why not do what you want? Can't play musical chairs cause someone might lose...well, get with the program...that is what life is all about and if you don't learn how to cope when you are young you are certainly not going to be able to cope when you are out in the work world...if you even work.

Doug
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I call BS on this, I was never spared a spanking when I miss behaved and I haven't been in a fight in 10 years.

Ken from Alberta
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That's a load of B.S. Does this come from the same brainwaves who feel that it's cruel to fail students who have not succeded in making the grade? No wonder the future generations are proving to be incompetant as ever.The REAL world is a nasty place. The only way to survive in it is to learn the importance of consequences.

Sean
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Bull, all of this is BULL. Excessive corporal punishment I agree, but a little tap on the behind as a gentle reminder, nothing wrong with that.

Truth Only
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Well documented study that points to the obvious. The anger in the comment section calling this study "BS" and are for child abuse out lines it. It makes me wonder though since we just had a major child porn bust yet here are people plain as day advocating child abuse yet no police will have them arrested? For the children? Nope

Tim
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And there're plenty of studies that contradict your position, Pye. As for your attitude, maybe you need a time-out; seems someone is getting a little cranky.

Dilys
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That's right let's give the kids another excuse to blame society for the choices they make when they mature.Some kids today would do well to receive a swat on the butt once in awhile.

Doug ^^^ BC
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Here's an idea.How about we keep the government out of every families personal business? This left wing notion that we can have government control every aspect of all of our lives is the real failure.This,at the very same time as the political left,the social engineers,the pointy headed academics,and the bleeding heart socialists try to claim the moral high ground when it comes to freedom and human rights.Can no one see they hypocricy and the double speak in those positions? A reasonable spanking is a reasonable way to disciple a child.Not every parent will have a degree in psychology.,but every child needs discipline at one time or another.If there is a loving home,and no real abuse,there is no place for government in the family business. Take note of words,my friends.Differentiate between "punish" and "discipline". In my world they are not synonyms. And finally,child abuse is not something we should ever tolerate.No one can ever be willing to stand by and say nothing when any child they know is being abused in any way. However,watch out for the pointy heads and their efforts to expand the definition of "child abuse",so that they can impose their social engineering agenda. Nothing in Canada takes away more of your families rights and freedoms than the agendas of the socialists,and the social engineers. NOTHING.

CraigW
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What a load of crap. People need to keep their noses out of other people's private lives. I was spanked as a child and have never been in a fight and my I.Q. is ranked as Very Superior. My daughters were spanked on occasion and both are very happy intelligent young women, one of which was considered Gifted in high school. The appropriate punishment for a child is determined by the attributes of the parent and the needs of the child. All forms of punishment, whether it be spanking, time out, grounding or taking things away are forms of trauma designed to teach children that there are consequences to their actions. Of course, some parents choose not to discipline their children at all, and we all know what a joy it is to be around those little angels.

Linda In The Valley
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WOW what a great topic. We boomers and the previous generation just shake our heads when we see the nonsense that some parents put up with. Kids need rules and want rules, that shows love, caring and just maybe some control. Everyone has said everything that I agree with, but my biggest bone of contention is today's parents calling their kids "Buddy" or "Pal". "Buddy" is used for male and female and well "Pal" is more used for males. Parents you are not their Buddy nor their Pal but their parents end of story! Surely they have names?

Guess the question is "Who owns the currency", the children/kids or the parents. hummmmm!

NS
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I disagree with this so called study. It must have been peer reviewed by some wishy washy person who never had a teen in the last 20 years.I wish I was spanked a little more, my parents were easy on me, but overall I turned out okay. The "Non spanking years" of the past couple of decades has produced the worst teenagers in North American history. Give parents and teachers the right to reasonable spankings, and lets guide our youth into productive respectful adults.

retiti
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i was spanked once as a child. that's all it took. im a pacifist, and pretty well ajdusted. my brother took a few more spankings, he's not quite a pacifist, but close.my husband had a wooden spoon broken on his backside, his front teeth knocked out by a very badly timed smack to the back of the head and proximity to a counter, and was spanked. hes never been in a fight, thrown anything, and ive rarely even heard him raise his voice to our pets, even when in the garbage.my best friend on the other hand, has 3 hellishly behaved children. not one was spanked, they were raised on the 1 2 3 method, and time outs. the middle one has put a knife through his brothers door, the oldest one has broken his sisters arm in a fit of rage, and the youngest one has burned down various neighbourhood sheds. their attitde is "you cant punish me". ive heard the youngest one say that to police officers. spank away, parents, just use it sparingly, and only on the bottom.

Ottawagirl
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The problem is when you have such a complicated topic as behaviour and emotional development, you can't just look at one factor. This just seems bad science, there are too many confounding variables to say corporal punishment makes more aggressive and depressed adults. I was spanked as a child and never once have I thought "oh I want to go and act violently".

steve, ottawa
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There is a fine line between a swat on the bum and a vicious whipping/beating. If ALL parents could control themselves we wouldn't be having this debate in the first place.
I'm sure some parents are a bit indignant at the thought of a law being put in place defining the care and discipline of their own child. I'm also sure there are some parents that smack their children on the bum without causing bruises emotionally or physically, but there are lots of parents that cannot comprehend where that line is, or if they can see it, they have no control. they are the target of this debate and any laws resulting from it.

J. Bean
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Hey guess what I don't spank my child and he is just fine. He gets out of line like any other child sometimes, and we rectify it by showing him proper behavior and tell him that what he did was wrong. We always praise his good behavior and make sure he knows it when he does something good so he wants to do it again. I got spanked and hit growing up and it more humiliating than anything I have been through.

Prof. Pye Chartt
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@ peter in mb: Huh? A 6-year-old cannot "mentally comprehend" that what they did is wrong and, therefore, require a spanking? Yikes. Do you have kids, Peter? I do, and my 6-year-old sure as heck sports a full grasp and understanding, both of the behavior and the punishment consequence, which, by the way, NEVER includes a spanking. In fact, kids typically "get it" at a fairly young age (in my experience: age 3).

donedad
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Our 4 kids are now 36 to 44 years old with their own families. We had rules that we all lived by with us parents setting the example. The youngsters knew that if they broke the rules, which rarely happened, they would cause mom or dad to explain the rule again without anger and help them with a reminder on their rearends. Afterwards a hug, an I love you and that hurt me more than you and, good to go. All of them are still following the rules set by the justice system today. I'd like to check the track records of those doing these wonderous studies as to their child rearing successes or if they even have any kids in the first place.

Seriously
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You can find qualifying "psychobabble" for any stance known to man regardless of it's legitimacy so spare me the "I've got studies to back me" defence. Today's youth with it's self absorbed, self-entitled focus is all the proof a rational mind needs to see that we've neglected teaching our childern respect. Every child needs a form of discipline that is effective for their own individual personality which is the true art of parenting.

Lori
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Wait...help me understand. Hitting a child can lead to....aggression later in life? And it took studies to figure this out? Wow.

Derek
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I'm with Tim (recent psych grad)

Especially the bit about how parents dispense punishment: with anger or not. I realize I'm being unscientific when I observe that parents who have problem kids seem to have problems themselves in controlling their anger...but at least that may be an important thing to analyze. Hard to say this is oversimplification when you don't have all the details, but it does seem to be the case.

JP
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Just listen to the pro-spanking people suddenly sound like scientists and philosophers. The ultimate hypocrisy is spanking your child for unruly behaviour. Two wrongs don't make a right.. but by the way those supporters of corporal punishment sound, you would think spanking will usher in a new world of "leave it to Beaver" style citizens. Wake up and smell the coffee! Any brute can whack a child.. but only the thoughtful parent can think of other, less violent, more creative ways to achieve similar ends; that is a respectful and nonviolent human-being. Leave the violence of corporal punishment where it belongs: in the dustbin of primitive ideas best left in the past.

BeatDatAs
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I think this is more of a cultural issue. Americans seem to fare better from spanking, while canadians don't, hence the difference of two different, but similar studies from two very different cultures.

thomas
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Funny my sisters child was never spanked and he is aggressive and a bully I think they need to review this study.

CLAUDIA
said
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Pleasssssssssssssse

as long as the punishment is not a ""beating" as we call it
a tap, a slap, or punishment is OK

children need to learn what is right or wrong

If "no" or "stop it" does not give the message, something else has to

or you get spoiled brats who think they are kings and queens

Common Sense
said
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EXCESSIVELY harsh physical discipline can be a concern for future aggression based on parental modeling. Nothing wrong with a spanking when needed provided it is administered properly. In the same way however a clear case can be made for violent games and movies being a cause for violent behaviour in our society. Combine the two and we have a social problem.

DORINE
said
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The teens of now are what is called the ""ME"" generation - -
parents where told to let the child act out; no punishment, no respect, no rules, no spanking - etc...
He decides what "he" wants;
"he" needs; the rules are etc....

DON'T PUT ALL THE TEENS IN THIS CATEGORY - SOME OF THEM ARE GREAT TEENS

a generation shifted one way (Dr. Spock's book);
now it went the other way to put out the "ME" generation- no middle
No generation is perfect

But we still love our children

Meg
said
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I think a light spanking is fine. A light tap on the hand, etc etc. But when it comes to actually beating your kids because they won't listen, that's just wrong. My hubby got a cuff in the back of the head and hit with a broomstick a few times and now he shudders whenever someone walks behind him. A good example of that form of punishment as not being okay.

A Concerned Canadian
said
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We should be very cautious when reading reports like these which claim to be authoritative but are more likely to be serving a political agenda. Parents should and must have the right to discipline their children within acceptable, legal limits. Otherwise chaos ensues and nothing gets done. Children must be taught how to conduct themselves or they may not learn, and people could be hurt as a consequence. Corporal punishment for children can be an effective deterrent to future bad behaviour if used correctly. A society where people do anything they want regardless of the consequences is a society without a future.

Kate
said
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Reasonable corporal punishment (not abuse!) plus lots of love, affection, affirmation, encouragement and support equal a reasonably well adjusted human being.

Shawn in Mtl
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What a pile of BS!I'd like an explaination then why today's generation of kids seem so hell bent on bullying and attacking their fellow classmates etc.According to this report, and certianly based on what I've seen over the past 15-20 years of parents not disciplining their kids, certainly not with a spank on the arse at any rate; how then is the violence displayed by the kids explained...Oh wait video games.... right. Nevermind.If you ask me parents are far too weak on discipline these days. Your job is NOT to be your kid's best friend. It's to be their Parent. Raise your kids with respect and morals.

peter in mb
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There is a balance when it comes to disciple. A 6 year old can not mentally comprehend what they did was wrong, but they can comprehend a spanking (pain) and know it (pain) will happen again if they do the same thing again. If kids know that there will be no consequences to their action then how are we to teach them right from wrong. We already have 12 year olds steeling cars and killing people with them and getting away with it because their parents never spanked them and school teacher can do it either. Why? Because they know they will not be punished so they do whatever they want. When I was growing up in the 80�s I got the belt when I was realy Bad. Some times I was told I could not watch TV for a week. Im in my late 30�s and I have not broke the law ever. Why? Because I dont want to go to jail.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said
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Corporal punishment is a parenting "solution" amongst those who are less skilled and evolved and likely spanked as a matter of routine themselves as a child. It's reactively cheap and easy in terms of addressing unacceptable behavior, and typically satisfies a certain base psychological urge. There. I said it. Now, certain folk can freak out and call me names in their "aggressive" rhetorical fashion. Go ahead. (Spare me any psychobabble. Studies support my position.)

chel in the Peg
said
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How about we go with Bad Parenting Linked To Future Aggression and call it a day?

RiverviewNB
said
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So, why is it acceptable for police to use pain as a motivator for compliance. Pain is the main tool used by police to control someone in their custody.

Moi
said
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Proof that stupidity is alive and well in Canada. I was spanked by my parents and I was strapped by my school principle when that was both legal and common in Canada. I have never been in a fight in my life, nor have I ever been violent towards anyone.

Martha
said
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I have 4 children- all of them were spanked when they were young children. They are now grown, very respectful of others, successful in society and have lots of friends. The people who did this study need to do a little more studying-they are sending the wrong message to young parents.

Brian Fr Langley
said
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I suspect they only found what they were looking for. If corporal punishment teaches aggression, what do actions without consequences teach? In this case the cure is far worse than the disease.

Rob
said
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What a waste of an article.. nothing but BS.Only since Corporal Punishment (spanking etc..) has been deemed cruel and unusual punishment, have we seen so many youth criminals.50 years ago, when my dad would get whipped behind the barn with a switch, you never heard of thugs and gangs, because if a kid even thought of getting outta line he'd litterally get the sense beat back into him.The reason we have so many useless criminal teenagers these days is because nobody was able to give them a slap upside the head when they needed it.

Montreal Cynic
said
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I was spanked as a child and I turned out OK.These bleeding hearts are more concerned with the physical punishment than on the effects of not getting proper discipline at home...The Government should butt out of family life. Let me raise my kids as I see fit

D. Vancouver
said
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I concur with the study. I have two sons in their twenties,and we used time out and lack of privileges for punishment ( I don't even like that word). Both of our sons have grown up into thoughtful, caring young men. Neither has a sense of entitlement, and both have post secondary education, with our younger son graduating university this year , and he has already landed a plum job post - university. I think reasonable, respectful caring parents generally raise reasonable ,respectful caring children.

Glenn C
said
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UTTER NONESENSE! more like the one's that never get a (small) tap are the kind that end up totally out of control. Never did me any harm.

kg1
said
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We have already been through this. Dont punish the child, they will expect to get away with actions that are not acceptable..I was spanked (not beaten) when I needed it so were my siblings and trust me when I say you do not do the action which caused the spanking again. I ahve no problem with physical discipline as long as it is not a beating and the end result teaches the child not to do that again and to think about repercussions!

Bulldog
said
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More social engineering non-sence. I remember growing up through the 80's and 90's as I am in my early 30's at the moment. In that time period I earned my fair share of "corporal punishment" from my parents, and I'm glad for it. Whenever my friends and I stepped out of line we got what we deserved and we turned out just fine. Today the majority of my childhood friends as well as my self went on to finish university and those that didn't chose success in the trades, and as a result function as productive citizens. Why this is, is because our parents were unafraid to "discipline" us when needed, end of story. Don't believe my position on this subject? just ask a high school teacher north of 50.

EmoKid
said
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Ya I think your children tried to tell you this, but you monsters never wanted to listen!

Paul
said
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.....just in. Parents who don't spank their kids could raise them to be little hell raisers who demand the world. They tend to be lazy, disrespectful, and tend to have a "me first" attitude. Without benchmarks we all become our own little "gods" who answer to nobody.....until we get to the big world. When that happens we end up supporting the Liberals as we don't know how to take care of ourselves, so it becomes the states problem then.

MommaHanna
said
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Not sure I buy this line of thought. I think it may have something to do with HOW the corporal punishment is delivered. Is is reactive or is discussed calmly and then delivered? My siblings (4 of us in all) were all spanked. My Aunt's 8 children never were spanked. Her 8 are socially messed up, whereas my siblings and I are successful and well adjusted. So we just blew your theory.

Len
said
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Was any effort made to eliminate those children who were physically abused in this study? Of course children who are abused can suffer negative consequences as they grow up.

George Carter
said
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scientists who miss the point AGAIN! If you consistently use corporal punishment for EVERY infraction, then YES! it sends the wrong message! But used sparingly and in the right context...it does maintain it's usefulness.

Paul
said
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The essentially doing nothing approach has been successfully proven to be a disaster. Back to teaching how to make good choices, rewarding for good behavior and how to disagree peacefully.

Tim
said
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Um. I'm a recent Psych grad with a specialty in child psych. As such, I've looked at this topic a number of times over the course of my program and frankly, this study is a gross oversimplification of the issue. There are numerous factors involved in the growth of future aggression when considering corporal punishment. Factors such as the degree of (parental) anger at the time of the punishment, whether or not the child understands why they're being punished, and the clear divide between the parent's love for the child and the punishment (I'm disappointed but still love you) all play a role in the development of antisocial behaviour. While corporal punishment should be used as a "Plan C" or even "Plan D" for parents, it IS an effective tool and there's little to no evidence supporting that, when used properly, it destroys the self-esteem of children as thoroughly as this article suggests. More emotion, less science; welcome to the world of tomorrow!

LMK
said
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well, I guess this makes a couple of generations agressive, anxiety prone, underperformers, depressed, anti-social, undisciplined, in short total misfits. An occasional spanking by a parent or teacher, even a smack by a neighbour was the norm for many generations. I don't believe we would have gotten this far if all of the above were true. (we are not talking about beatings)

Pugfire
said
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Commission another study and you'll get another answer. How many times does one study contradict another on the same subject?

Shannon
said
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BUNK, this generation of children being raised with 123's and naughty chairs are the most selfish, agressive and out of control I've seen. How many times in the last few years have you been in a restaurant or a store and seen an obnoxious child with no parent to spank them. You didn't see that kind of agressive behaviour from the "Leave it to Beaver" generation...they were spanked. The proof is in the pudding!