# Expert reveals how spanking can devastate kids and create violent adults

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/expert-reveals-how-spanking-can-devastate-kids-and-create-violent-adults/
- Published: 2026-11-11T12:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T13:39:09+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/11/lifestyle/expert-shares-how-spanking-can-devastate-kids-and-create-violent-adults/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Spanking may stop behaviour through fear rather than teach self-control.
- Studies link physical punishment with later behavioural problems and violence.
- Major health organisations oppose spanking, though some parents still use it.

## Summary

Dr Isha Mannering, a paediatrician and parenting expert, argues that spanking can frighten children into immediate obedience without teaching self-control or sound judgement. She says physical punishment may also harm children’s emotional security and relationships, and research links it with behavioural problems and later violence.

The article cites a study finding that children spanked at age three were more likely to be violent or disruptive at age five, and another linking childhood spanking with violence towards romantic partners in adulthood. A 2021 review found physical punishment was associated with increasing behavioural problems over time, while 15% of parents reportedly still consider spanking necessary. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization oppose it; at least 69 countries have banned corporal punishment of children.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.