Category: Q&As

Is Spanking Child Abuse?

Published : Jun 03, 2025
By Dr. Ana Aznar

“Is spanking child abuse?” 

Grown up rebuking a little child for bad behavior

It depends on where you live. In some countries, any kind of physical discipline (including spanking), is illegal. In other countries, spanking is legal.  

The issue is that we should avoid spanking our children as much as we can because it is not good for them. Children that are spanked are more likely to be aggressive, and to have mental health issues. Their relationship with their parents is also likely to be worse. And importantly, children who are spanked are at a higher risk of suffering physical abuse. Why? Because if you spank your child, it is likely that you will need to keep on spanking harder and harder, so that it keeps on having an effect on your child. 

I know that many parents think that it is OK to spank their children. But believe me when I tell you that there are a lot of studies on this area: no study has found that spanking has benefits for children. It is true that a few studies have found that it is not bad but no study has found that it is good. So, why do it then? Very often when we do it, it’s because we have lost our temper. If you are losing your temper, it is best to leave the room and come back when you feel calmer than to spank your child.  

I hope this information helps. I leave you here some articles that you may also find interesting: 

Is Smacking Your Child Ever OK? 

Is It Illegal for Parents to Smack their Child? 

How to Discipline Your Child: An Age-by-Age Guide 

How to Discipline a 3-Year-Old? 

Can You Discipline a 1 Year-Old? 

Lots of love,  

Ana 

Dr Ana Aznar 

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Comments
George Cock
2025-06-07 10:06:51
Poor
Pia Satrustegui
2025-04-25 07:23:36
Hola Ana,
Qué fantástico artículo y que buenos consejos. Ha sido de una gran ayuda. Un abrazo muy fuerte
Dr. Ana Aznar
2025-03-31 19:41:20
Qué ilusión tu mensaje, Pia! Gracias a tí por leernos.
Pia Satrustegui
2025-03-28 10:13:56
Querida Ana,
Maravilloso artículo sobre la serie Adolescentes y consejos de gran ayuda en una etapa tan complicada de nuestros hijos , tan desprotegidos frente a las nuevas tecnologías.Es una ayuda tremenda para nosotros. Muchas gracias
Armani
2025-03-06 09:31:35
This is ethically wrong and I don't think it's worth the damage it will ultimately cause to the relationship. And the issues it will cause for the one being spied on. Just don't do it.
Meghan
2025-02-07 21:26:19
Is there a printable version of the article? I am a school based mental health professional and would like to share it with parents.
J
2025-02-03 10:52:04
This is such a great writeup. I think too often we get caught in a rutt of trying to categorise everything. Our daily lives are kind of dictated by categories and labels, certainly in a digital world.

I'd imagine this is quite deteremental for a childs development in the long run as nothing stays the same forever, and we shouldn't really be making these categorisations, especially towards our children.

Just live life, sometimes you'll have to be the parent that's the shoulder to cry on. The week after you may have to raise your voice a little when everyone is in a rush and you're trying to get your children's shoes on.

Just balance it all out, don't be too self critical and pick up on what your child wants and needs.

Again, great writeup!
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-09-13 12:51:46
Dear Robert,
Thank you so much for your comment. I totally get what you mean. It is always difficult to have kids living with you, wanting to support them and their parents but at the same time not wanting to step in anyone's toes. If there's anything we can do to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Ana
Robert Eisenbart
2024-09-10 00:43:07
Great Article! I'm a retired FNP. Years ago I taught a STEP program to parents via family court cases. I now have a daughter and her man disciplining three children 4, 8, and 10. The 10 year old has ADHD and my personal diagnosis is she's also Oppositional/Defiant. I believe the OD came from harsh discipline. All they seem to do is punish and threaten physical punishment. They say positive reinforcement didn't work however they tried it for about 2 months and then went back to punishment. I can't reason with them as "they are the parents"!! is all I hear. They all live with me and have since the oldest was about 2. Sadly I can see the other 2 developing issues like anxiety and aggression as well. Trying to show them another side of adult supervision when I have them but frustrating.
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-09-02 20:48:07
Really glad you found it useful! Thank you for being here and for your comment.

Ana
avenue17
2024-08-30 11:17:25
I doubt it.
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-05-17 09:55:58
Hi Donna,
sO great to have you here! Totally agree that Zara is great! What other topics would you like us to discuss?
Ana
Donna
2024-05-17 09:49:36
Love Zara’s ways of teaching for both parents & kids! Also so helpful. We want more!! (Please!) :D
Ana Aznar
2024-05-08 07:24:31
We are glad you found the content useful! Many thanks for being here.
Ana
Cristoj
2024-04-09 18:20:19
Great article!!!
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