High level of agreeement in research literature
There is a high level of agrement in the research literature that physical punishment has been revealed to be a predictor of a wide range of negative developmental outcomes (see detailed text).
Source: Social Policy Journal of New Zeland – The State of Research on the Effects of Physical Punishment

Anne B. Smith notes in the Abstract:

"The extent of agreement in the research literature on this issue is unusual in the social sciences. Physical punishment is associated with increased child aggression, antisocial behaviour, lower intellectual achievement, poorer quality of parent–child relationships, mental health problems (such as depression), and diminished moral internalisation. The evidence about whether physical punishment results in short-term compliance is mixed, with some studies showing effectiveness in achieving this and others not. Short-term compliance can, however, be achieved as effectively without using physical punishment. Physical punishment has negative effects on child outcomes, especially if it is harsh, regardless of culture."
CONTEXT(Help)
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Parental Force and Children »Parental Force and Children
Should it be legal for a parent to smack a child? »Should it be legal for a parent to smack a child?
No, not under any circumstances »No, not under any circumstances
Smacking children has bad consequences »Smacking children has bad consequences
High level of agreeement in research literature
Llight occasional smacking: research is equivocal »Llight occasional smacking: research is equivocal
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