Smacking a child

Smacking is a form of physical punishment that involves using physical force to correct or discipline a child's behavior. 

This may include smacking, spanking, slapping, or hitting. Australian parents are unclear about what is seen as reasonable or acceptable force and over half believe it is never acceptable to use physical discipline with a child. 

Hitting or smacking a child is not the answer. It may stop a child from doing something in the short term, but they may not understand the underlying issue or the consequences of their behaviour.

What does the research say?

Research of over 1,500 studies suggests that physical punishment can have lasting negative impacts on a child including:

  • mental and emotional challenges
  • lower cognitive ability (children who are smacked once a month have 14-19% smaller brains in the decision-making area)
  • lower self-esteem
  • more aggression and antisocial behaviour
  • potential negative relationships with parents 

Harsh physical punishment during childhood can develop into further complications in adolescence and adulthood including:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • substance use
  • partner violence.

Whilst not recommended, it remains lawful for parents in NSW to use ‘reasonable’ physical punishment to discipline their children. However, this excludes:

  • force to the child’s head or neck, and
  • any harm that lasts longer than a short period.

Parents should consider other options before using physical punishment as a method of discipline. See the guidelines for more information.

If you find it difficult to respond to your child’s behaviour appropriately, or think you may hurt your child, support options are available. You should speak to your local doctor or psychologist. See Parent and carer wellbeing for more information.

However, it is illegal for physical punishment to be used by an early childcare or education provider staff member in NSW. Restrictive practices also fall under this law and are illegal unless the child has a detailed Behaviour Support Plan. 

"I was smacked and I turned out okay"

Every time a child is smacked, their risk of developing short or long-term problems increases. 

Current research offers a deeper understanding of how children learn and develop, highlighting the negative impact that hitting has on a child's health and wellbeing.