For decades, parents have debated whether spanking is simply a form of discipline or something more harmful. Now, a large review of research spanning 50 years suggests that spanking may have more serious long-term effects than many people realize. The analysis, published in the Journal of Family Psychology, examined data from more than 160,000 children and found that spanking was consistently linked to negative developmental outcomes.

Researchers reported that children who were spanked were more likely to display aggressive behavior, mental health struggles, antisocial behavior, and difficulties with learning as they grew older. While the study distinguishes spanking from physical abuse, the authors concluded that many of the long-term effects are similar, although generally less severe.

Lead researcher Elizabeth Gershoff said the findings show that spanking often produces the opposite of what parents hope to achieve. Instead of improving behavior, it may increase defiance and make children more likely to use physical punishment with their own children later in life, continuing the cycle across generations.

Because of these findings, many child development experts now encourage parents to use positive discipline instead of physical punishment. Techniques such as setting clear expectations, praising good behavior, using logical consequences, and talking through problems can help children learn self-control while strengthening the parent-child relationship. The researchers say discipline works best when it teaches rather than frightens, helping children build respect, trust, and healthy emotional skills for the future.