Conclusion
The issue of corporal punishment is contentious. Some groups advocate for the abolition of corporal punishment, arguing that it is damaging to children and a violation of children's rights. Others argue in favour of retaining the right to use corporal punishment as a form of disciplining children. A third group - which generally takes the view that there are better or alternatives to smacking - has raised concerns that banning corporal punishment could criminalise parents and, in the process, overburden the child protection system with reports of parents who have smacked their children.
Research findings regarding the damaging effects for children of corporal punishment have been critiqued for methodological reasons. However, the research is clear that there is limited evidence to support any positive outcomes associated with corporal punishment and that there are other more preferable techniques for disciplining children.