Pediatricians say spanking kids not only doesn’t work, but it can even be harmful. In a new policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics says all forms of corporal punishment and yelling are damaging.
The group recommends pediatricians advise parents against spanking, which it defines as “noninjurious, open-handed hitting with the intention of modifying child behavior.” The authors added negative punishment that isn’t physical, like yelling or shaming, can still be humiliating, scary or threatening.
Research shows spanking can affect cognition and behavior later in life. It can contribute to things like depression and even less gray matter in children's brains.
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The recommendations are in line with public opinion, which has waned in support of spanking since at least 1986, according to a 2016 survey. However, that survey showed most people — 76 percent of men and 66 percent of women ages 18 to 65 — still thought spanking was ok.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
