Smacking a child

Smacking is a type of physical punishment intended to cause a child pain.

It involves using physical force in order to correct or stop a child's behaviour. Smacking is also referred to as corporal punishment and can involve: 

  • hitting- smacking, slapping, spanking 
  • physical force- kicking, shaking, pulling hair 
  • using implements- wooden spoons, canes 
  • forced uncomfortable positions- kneeling or standing for extended periods of time 
  • burning or scalds.

Hitting or smacking might stop a child’s behaviour in the moment, but it doesn’t teach them why the behaviour was wrong. Long term, hitting or smacking a child can often make behaviours worse.

What does the research say?

Research from over 1,500 studies shows that physical punishment can have long-term negative impacts on a child including: 

  • mental and emotional health problems 
  • slower brain development- children who are smacked once a month have 14-19% smaller brain areas linked to decision-making 
  • lower self-esteem  
  • more aggression or antisocial behaviour   
  • poorer relationships with parents.

Harsh physical punishment in childhood is linked to problems in adolescence and adulthood, including: 

  • anxiety 
  • depression 
  • drug or alcohol use 
  • violence in other relationships.

Smacking and the law 

In NSW, it is legal for parents to use “reasonable force” to discipline their own children. The law states you cannot: 

  • hit a child’s head or neck 
  • cause any harm that lasts longer than a short period. 

Even though is it legal in some cases, parents should consider other options before using physical punishment. It is not recommended to smack or hit a child.  

See Physical Punishment Legislation for more information. 

If you find it hard to manage your child’s behaviour or feel like you might hurt your child, it’s important to reach out for more support. Talk to your GP or psychologist.  

See Parent and carer wellbeing for more information. 

Smacking at childcare or school 

It is illegal for staff at early childcare centres or schools in NSW to use physical punishment on a child. It is also illegal to use restrictive practices such as holding a child down or keeping them in a locked room unless the child has a detailed Behaviour Support Plan (BSPs).  

"I was smacked and I turned out okay"

Many people might say this. Approximately 80% of parents experienced physical punishment themselves as a child. 

We now know a lot more about how children grow and learn- physically and mentally. Smacking can harm their health, development and wellbeing. Research shows that every time a child is smacked, their risk of short and long-term problems increases.  

Approximately half (51%) of all Australian parents believe it’s never acceptable to use physical discipline with a child.