Key facts
- Children subjected to physical punishment are more likely to bully others and engage in cyberbullying.
- Children who experienced repeated physical punishment were less likely to pass five GCSEs, including English and maths.
- The study used data from 19,000 children born in the UK in the early 2000s.
- Physical punishment was still used by parents against over 20% of 10-year-olds in 2020-21.
- Experts are calling for England and Northern Ireland to outlaw physical punishment, similar to Scotland and Wales.
New research from University College London (UCL) suggests that children who are physically punished by their parents are more likely to engage in bullying and perform worse academically. The study, which analyzed data from approximately 19,000 children, found a significant correlation between physical punishment at ages three, five, and seven, and lower chances of passing GCSE exams, even after accounting for socioeconomic factors and family background.
Furthermore, the research indicated that teenagers who experienced physical punishment in early childhood were markedly more prone to bullying siblings, peers, and engaging in cyberbullying. The findings have prompted renewed calls from experts, Members of Parliament, and children's welfare charities for legislative action in England and Northern Ireland to ban smacking, aligning with existing laws in Scotland and Wales.
Joanna Barrett of the NSPCC emphasized that physical punishment does not improve behavior and adversely affects children's well-being and future outcomes. MP Jess Asato urged the government to act on the report's recommendations. However, a spokesperson for the Department for Education stated that while the new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act will enhance protections for vulnerable children, the government currently has no plans to legislate a ban on smacking.
Under Section 58 of the Children Act 2004 in England, parents can use "reasonable punishment" as a defense against accusations of hitting their child. UCL's study revealed that over 20% of 10-year-olds were still subjected to physical punishment in 2020-21, with effects manifesting as behavioral problems in infants and lower literacy in repeated exposure cases. The study concluded that physical punishment may have a negative societal impact.