Researchers from University College London (UCL) have made a compelling case against physical punishment of children, linking it to lower GCSE grades and an increased propensity for risky behaviour in adolescence. The comprehensive study tracked approximately 19,000 UK-born children born between 2000 and 2002.
The research, which observed the impact of smacking at ages three, five, and seven, revealed that children who had experienced physical punishment were 5.7 percentage points more likely to miss five pass grades (A*-C) at GCSE level, including English and Maths. The study's lead researcher, Associate Professor Anja Heilmann, stated unequivocally that the findings suggest smacking "does no good whatsoever".
The UCL team also identified a correlation between early childhood physical punishment and an increased likelihood of risky behaviours among 14-year-olds, who were found to be 33% more likely to engage in such behaviours, including bullying. Professor Heilmann expressed hope that the UK would follow Scotland's lead by outlawing smacking, ensuring children have the same protection from physical assault as adults.
While acknowledging that the study was observational and cannot definitively prove a direct causal link between smacking and these outcomes, researchers noted that their analysis pointed towards harmful effects of physical punishment. Family and parenting researcher Professor Ellie Lee at the University of Kent cautioned that child development is often "multifactorial," but noted that while boundaries are necessary, the debate around how best to enforce them continues.
The findings have reignited calls for a ban on smacking in England and Northern Ireland, bringing them in line with Scotland and Wales. The Department for Education in England maintains that it currently has no plans to alter the law on smacking, despite the growing momentum behind reform. One in five 10-year-olds had experienced some form of physical punishment by 2021, and mothers with higher education levels were less likely to use such methods.
Naomi Long, Minister of Justice in Northern Ireland, has expressed support for removing the defence of 'reasonable punishment', which would effectively ban smacking in Northern Ireland. The UCL study's conclusions are set against a backdrop of ongoing debate around how best to protect children and promote their wellbeing, highlighting the need for further discussion on this critical issue.