Dr Divna Haslam (pictured, at right) recently led the first study looking at the prevalence and attitudes around smacking across all Australians. The study found that while many Australians have experienced corporal punishment generational changes are occurring with younger people substantially less likely to believe corporal punishment or smacking is needed and less likely to use it.
Physical punishment is linked with adverse outcomes for children and does not prevent misbehaviour. Researchers are now calling for law reform to remove the defence of using this form of violence towards children.
The video and infographic below outline the key findings of the study:
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