'Because there's a better way than hurting someone': An exploratory study of the nature, effect and persistence of 'physical punishment' in childhood.

Experiences in childhood are unique to individual children. However, the manner in which children may be treated is affected by societal norms, usually reinforced by legislation. Common law or statute prohibits the 'physical punishment' of children in fourteen countries. Yet, in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Britain and the United States, the right to physical integrity accorded to adults is denied to children. In these countries, hitting an adult to cause pain and enforce compliance is unacceptable, and is more likely to be deemed a criminal assault. Hitting children, however, is a securely held, though increasingly questioned, parental right. It is common for children to be 'disciplined' through violent means. Injury, and even death, sometimes results.[…]