The Need to Consider More Than Evidence When Justifying Physical Punishment

The authors of this invited commentary assume that if spanking has neutral or positive outcomes, it is justifiable (1). This overlooks broader ethical concerns. A parallel can be drawn to capital punishment—its supposed effectiveness in reducing crime does not settle the moral question of its use. Similarly, spanking must be evaluated within the framework of children’s rights, parent-child power dynamics, and societal values.

From a developmental paediatrician’s perspective, I have not only ethical but also developmental concerns about Canada’s age-specific approach to spanking, which makes it permissible between ages 2 and 12. Cognitive, emotional, and social capacities differ among children, making chronological age an inadequate criterion. The commentary neglects the experiences of parents of children with disabilities, who often require alternative, non-punitive discipline strategies that emphasize understanding and accommodation. It has been well established that children with disabilities suffer more frequent and harsher punishing discipline than typically developing children both in LMIC and in HIC. (2, 3). These differences are attributed to increased burden and stress of those parents(4). However, instead of trivializing spanking, parental supports and non-violent, positive parenting methods that are supported by scientific evidence should be recommended to address such challenging parenting situations (5).

While the authors highlight flaws in studies opposing spanking—such as conflating it with abuse or relying on correlational data—they describe that in several metanalyses the effect of spanking on outcomes was “very near zero”, which might be due to several confounding factors associated with spanking. Even if there is no effect, it begs the question why recommend then?

By portraying spanking as potentially neutral or beneficial, the authors risk legitimizing a practice increasingly seen as incompatible with a modern understanding of children’s rights (see Article 19, CRC)(6). Their argument that banning spanking undermines parental authority is speculative and ethically problematic. Rather than blaming external restrictions, the focus should be on promoting non-violent discipline strategies that support healthy parent-child relationships.

The debate on spanking is ultimately about values, not just evidence. An ethical framework prioritizing children’s rights and dignity is essential. While empirical evidence can inform the discussion, it must not overshadow fundamental moral principles.