Smacking a child doubles their risk of developing a mental health issue, according to an Australian-first study. 7NEWS
The study results showed the varying effect of corporal punishment on males and females, and looked at the youth cohort aged 16-24, making up 3500 of the overall study sample size.They were also 2.1 times more likely to experience generalised anxiety.“There is a very real connection between corporal punishment and current and lifelong experience of mental ill health,” Higgins said.
Females and males exposed to domestic violence in childhood were 2.4 and 1.9 times more likely respectively to develop depression, and 2.2 and 2.4 times more likely respectively to experience anxiety.The research found that nearly 40 per cent of the 65+ age group support smacking and other forms of corporal punishment as a form of discipline for children but “then each age group was subsequently lower and lower and lower,” Higgins said.
And while many older Aussies may preach they were smacked as a child but grew up OK, Higgins says whether you believe the negative effects of corporal punishment “comes down to whether you can trust science or not”. “We are pulling together an article that reviews the evidence for corporal punishment and the basis for calling for legislative reform in Australia, to catch up to the 62 countries internationally who have made it illegal for parents to use this form of physical violence,” he said.“If you go to a hairdresser and you don’t like the way they’ve cut your hair, you don’t discipline and correct them by hitting them - there are other ways,” he told 7NEWS.com.au.
“When things go pear-shaped, hold your ground. Yes, people will stare, but most of the time they’re staring because they’re empathetic. Don’t cave because people are staring.
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