Citation

Oates K. J. Paediatr. Child Health 2011; 47(8): 505-507.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1440-1754.2011.02144.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

All children require discipline, although physical punishment is just one form of discipline. Parental use of physical punishment is inter‐generational. There is now evidence that physical punishment of children is not only less effective than other forms of discipline but can also lead to aggressive behaviour in childhood and adult life. Twenty‐nine countries, including New Zealand, have laws against physical punishment in the home. Australian attitudes are slowly changing in favour of less use of physical punishment, but there is a long way to go. As advocates for children, paediatricians should not be content to accept the status quo.