Impact of Physical Punishment on Children’s Academic and Social Outcomes
Children who are physically punished by their parents face challenges in achieving good exam results and are more prone to bullying others, according to research from University College London (UCL). The study highlights the broader societal consequences of smacking and supports calls for its prohibition.
The UCL research focused on children in England who experienced physical punishment at ages three, five, and seven. It found these children were significantly less likely to pass GCSE exams compared to peers who were not physically punished, even after adjusting for family background and other factors.
Utilizing data from 19,000 children born in the UK in the early 2000s, the study also revealed that teenagers subjected to physical punishment in early childhood were considerably more likely to engage in bullying siblings and others, including cyberbullying.
Calls for Legislative Action
These findings have reignited appeals from experts, Members of Parliament, and children’s welfare organizations for legislative changes in England and Northern Ireland.
Joanna Barrett, the NSPCC’s associate head of policy, stated:
“This UCL research shows yet again that physical punishment does not improve children’s behaviour and in fact has an adverse impact on their wellbeing and links to poorer outcomes in the future.
“As is already the case in Scotland and Wales, children in England and Northern Ireland should be afforded the same protection from assault as adults. It’s time to change the law and remove the defence of reasonable punishment once and for all.”
Jess Asato, the MP for Lowestoft, commented:
“The government must act on the recommendations of this report urgently. Scotland and Wales have already shown there is a way forward that works. Now it is time for England to follow.”
A government spokesperson noted that the new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act in England “will provide greater protection for vulnerable children who are at risk of abuse and neglect,” but added that there are currently “no plans to legislate at this stage” for a ban on smacking.
Under current law in England, parents may use “reasonable punishment” as a defence if accused of hitting their child under certain circumstances.
Prevalence and Effects of Physical Punishment
The UCL study found that physical punishment was still used by parents against more than 20% of 10-year-olds in 2020-21 and was likely more common among younger, preschool-aged children.
The immediate effects of smacking were most evident in behavioural problems among infants. Repeated physical punishment at ages three, five, and seven was linked to lower literacy levels.
Children who experienced physical punishment were less likely to pass GCSE subjects compared to their peers. After controlling for family circumstances, parental attitudes, and socio-economic background, 48% of children repeatedly exposed to physical punishment failed to achieve five GCSE passes, including English and maths, compared with 42% of those not exposed. The negative effects appeared more pronounced in boys than girls.
Among the surveyed young people, smacking was also associated with antisocial behaviours at age 14, such as bullying, aggression, and vandalism.
“Given these findings, physical punishment may have a negative impact on society as a whole,” the study concluded.
Recommendations and Reactions
Dr Anja Heilmann, principal investigator and associate professor at UCL, emphasized the study’s key recommendation for England and Northern Ireland to amend laws permitting “reasonable punishment,” including smacking by relatives.
“The decisions by lawmakers in Northern Ireland, and last year in England, to drop plans to outlaw physical punishment are a huge missed opportunity and deeply disappointing. Children have the right to be brought up free from all forms of violence,” Heilmann said.
