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A ground-breaking research has revealed that children should not be spanked as it can make them mentally weak. The researchers said that the harsh punishment is extremely stressful for children and can become a chronic stressor for young ones,
Murray Straus, the Professor at the University of New Hampshire said, “All parents want smart children. This research shows that avoiding spanking and correcting misbehaviour in other ways can help that happen."
He added, "It is time for psychologists to recognise the need to help parents end the use of corporal punishment and incorporate that objective into their teaching and clinical practice."
Murray Straus stated that physical punishment can become a constant stressor for young children who typically experience punishment three or more times a week. For many it continues for years.
Murray Straus said that children in the US who were spanked had lower IQs whereas those who were not spanked were intelligent.
Murray Straus said, "How often parents spanked made a difference. The more spanking the slower the development of the child's mental ability. But even small amounts of spanking made a difference."
The research was presented on Friday at the 14th International Conference on Violence, Abuse and Trauma in San Diego.
