Discipline is one of the most debated aspects of parenting, but when it comes to spanking, the evidence is increasingly clear: it does more harm than good. While some parents defend spanking as a traditional way to teach respect and boundaries, leading experts—including the American Academy of Pediatrics—have concluded that physical punishment is not only ineffective in the long term but also linked to increased aggression, anxiety, and damaged parent-child relationships. In light of this research, continuing to justify spanking as a necessary parenting tool ignores what decades of child development studies have shown.
Still, some public figures defend the practice. Kelly Clarkson, who rose to fame after winning the first season of American Idol, has spoken candidly about being spanked as a child and has suggested that she understands and, at times, supports the approach. While her honesty about parenting challenges is relatable, relying on personal experience does not outweigh established research. Just because a method was common in the past does not mean it is beneficial—or even harmless—today.
Parenting evolves as society learns more about child psychology and emotional development. Positive discipline strategies—such as consistent boundaries, open communication, and age-appropriate consequences—have been shown to foster respect without fear. As research continues to highlight the risks associated with physical punishment, the argument for spanking grows weaker. Tradition alone is not a strong enough reason to continue a practice that experts widely caution against.
