Science

Does Spanking Children Make Them Predisposed to Aggression?

If you’re a little boy with the right genetic composition and your parent uses spanking as a form of discipline, one study says you are more predisposed toward acts of aggression.

The research out of University of Texas-Dallas, Sam Houston State University and Florida State University that studied children nine months to five years old found that genetics do affect behavior problems and a tendency toward aggression. It also found that these tendencies were exacerbated when these children were spanked for doing wrong, but only in boys.

Study: Spanking as Discipline Increases Aggression in Children Who Already Have a Genetic Predisposition

J.C. Barnes

“We found that genetic factors affect which children display aggressive behavior, but we also found that genetic factors matter more when children were exposed to spanking as a disciplinary tactic,” said criminologist Dr.  J.C. Barnes, an assistant professor of criminology in the University of Texas School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, in the university’s statement on the research.

“It did not affect females,” he said. “Males who were spanked and had the highest genetic risks displayed the most aggressive behavior compared to other males.”

The researchers classified aggression as tantrums and disruptive behavior.

Barnes believes that this study shows a time period in a child’s life during the early, more formative years when a propensity for aggression could be reduced by limiting spanking as a form of discipline.

“Since we’re tracing back to early childhood, which is a formative time, that suggests interventions could be targeted to that early time point in the life course,” he said. “The targeted intervention may be to reduce spanking across the board.”


[H/T Science Daily]

Comments (133)

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  • Jinglebob
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:58pm

    I am a product of the fifties. The greatest time to be raised, in the greatest town ever. My Dad would at times, (perhaps total of 4 or 5) pull his long leather belt from his pants and I would get a good one. Once I ran into the house from him and he chased me through the house until I got under the bed. he then swatted at me there until mom saved me. I was also whipped with a board paddle by the principle in third grade. We had rifles and ammo in the house, we had money in the bottom of a drawer. I never touched either, nor do I remember wanting to. I hunted rabbits from time to time, hunted deer a couple of times and killed one. I never commited an unsocial or hostile act in my life. I have never been in a police station except to get my concealed carry permit. Held a Top Secret SBI clearence and served thirty four years in the active and reserve services. I think I turned out pretty good. Oh, by the way, I was sad when I killed that young buck at sixteen.

    Report Post » Jinglebob  
    • pecosval
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 9:19am

      eat the deer next time

      Report Post »  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 9:43am

      You never committed a hostile act in your life, except for killing a deer when you obviously had enough food in your house to warrant not killing it. Ah, the good old days as a four year old living in fear of your father, unless you were a deer..or a thirsty minority…or a woman…or a homosexual…or a Jewish kid forced to pray to Jesus in a public school.Yeah, the good old days were great (depending on who you ask, of course).

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
    • SweetDoug
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 9:55am

      Ya beats me to it, Jinglebob!

      Sorry, no pun intended. Your fetchin’ up sounded just like mine.

      If I was spanked more than 10x (and I’m being generous) in my childhood, I can’t remember it.

      What it did do, was instill that there was something beyond, “The Look.”

      Today, there is nothing beyond the “Don’t!“ or the ”Finger Wagging” or God forbid! “The Time Out Corner!” Oh, no!

      We had guns around, money, and I never touched any of it. You just knew. My old man wasn’t going to beat me at 14. But those spankings at 3-4-5-6-7 just put the idea of a morality, a way of acting, that never left me.

      And we wonder why our children are filled with such a sense of self-entitled, unruly and outrageous behaviour?

      •∆•
      V-V

      Report Post » SweetDoug  
  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:53pm

    My father spanked me twice. He used his bare hand on my bare bottom and hit me 3 times. Afterwards, he told me that he used his bare hand since he would also feel the pain. He hit 3 times because he believed any more than 3 meant the adult was angry. Chlidren should never be hit in anger.

    I used the same on my kids and they are using it on the grandkids.

    Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:02pm

      Yep.

      Let’s see, take the chance your child might be more physically agressive within the context of learning right and wrong, or learning to stay away from dangerous things at a young age…..or raise a snot-nosed brat who can‘t handle the REAL beating he’s going to get every day of his adult life (Hello OWS-ers, I’m looking at you!)

      Eh, I’ll take my chances with the spankings. By the by, how many of you have the same experience I’ve had with spanking? After a very few spankings at a young age, I couldn‘t tell you the number of years since I’ve had to spank my kids. The point is, they know who’s in charge and at what point corporal punishment begins.

      I guess Liberals are just so black-and-white, they assume all discipline comes in the form of spanking. It doesn’t. Spanking is reserved for “I just pulled you away from that blazing hot oven for the second time! That’s NO! It’s dangerous! The pain you’re about to feel is NOTHING compared to a skin graft *whap*”

      Or, “I’ve told you twice to do X, you just smarted off to me in a show of defiance, this is the result *whap*”

      If you’re spanking because the kid left their toys out AGAIN, then you might be doing it wrong, especially if you’re the one picking up the toys. Let me tell you, grabbing your child’s hand and reaching down (forcing them to reach down) and picking up the toy and then walking them to their room only requires a few minutes of time, and after you do it twice, I guarantee

      Jaycen  
    • sbrown316
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:03pm

      Here we go again!!! **SIGH!!!** I was badly beaten (abused) by my mother. I did not grow up to be abusive toward my children. Quite the opposite. It is a known fact that true abusiveness toward children does, more often than not, cause them to grow into abusive adults. It is what they learn. People have a tendency to do what they have been taught. This is definitely NOT to say that spanking causes aggressive behaviour. I spanked my children as a form of punishment for things like being disrespectful, etc. But I also tempered the spankings by sitting down and talking with them (later), explaining to them why they got spanked and assuring them of my love for them while not taking anything away from the fact of the punishment. They are now grown. I raised four really good and respectful people. I also believe in the the words of Scripture. Not just some of them, but ALL of them. Scripture works. I, myself, am a living, walking, talking testimony to the power of God and His Word. Besides, I noticed a long time ago when this stupidity first started that the majority of the “experts” didn’t even have children…

      Report Post »  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:28pm

      JoshFuchs, the millennia old wisdom says: “Save the rod, spoil the child”. I’ll correct and say palm instead of rod. It is more a symbolic spanking (not intended to cause pain but humiliation) that may be used in the extreme cases (works miracles on public display of tantrums).

      Also, you may “NEED” to spank your toddler once, before/at the age of 20 months, just above the spot where the rear end splits. Something flat, like a paddle (small, a tad wider then the bottom part of the hockey stick), several times, 4-5x, quick slaps. This would prevent ear infections. Why is it no one knows, but it works, even if the infection is already starting. This prevents a pain to the kiddo, or even a serious opreration and to the parent a bunch of money to cover the costs.

      I suppose that you have no children, or if you do, they are spoiled brats and will grow up with strong antisocial tendencies. Not all kids need spanking (beside the ear infection thingy) as a corrective measure, but most do.

      An abuse is when the kids are hit that hard that they bounce off a wall, and/or have your palm imprinted on their face for a day of a few, with consequent coloration. The same applies for other parts of their bodies.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:44pm

      Too many adults do not know how to remain calm and maintain command and control when they are bringing up their children.

      I no longer have children at home, but it sure sounds like some of you do! Wow!

      Our kids are people, and citizens, too. Are you ethical? Religious? Do some laws not apply to some folks? How can parents decide what societal rules and norms should not be enforced?

      TEA

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • pitamoncha
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 6:10pm

      What does a “criminologist Dr. J.C. Barnes, an assistant professor of criminology in the University of Texas School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences,” know about child psychology?????? Or for that matter my children?

      Report Post » pitamoncha  
    • jayjayson
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 6:46pm

      I will say this once and only once. I drive a school bus. From what I have observed and what others I know have observed, SPANKING WORKS!!! I know that if a parent spakes their child, that child will behave for me. If the child has not been spanked, ever, then that child will not behave on the bus. The spanked child understands punishment. The unspanked child does not, since the most they will get is “talked to” as punishment.

      I also have a 11 year old son that is ADHD. He has never been on medication for it. I used the tried and ture punishment method. So has he turned out bad? No, he plays 4 sports. Became a First Class Scout faster than any of his friends and is an AB Student in advanced classes. Plus in his down time he is correcting his text books for their factural errors. I also can’t remember the last time I spanked him.

      Report Post »  
    • Smith523
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 7:21pm

      “Spare the rod spoil the child.” does anybody think that stupid crap from Dr.Spock actually worked? NO for the love of GOD!! LOOK AT AMERICA and see what a lack of discipline has done!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 8:44pm

      @JoshFuchs
      Hi newbie poster! Wow, first day and already spreading your Media Matters troll trash. You will soon learn that the experienced posters here pegged you for what you are… a Media Matters troll. You won‘t be getting any responses to your posts except one’s like this. So take your little troll fanny back to Media Matters with your tail tucked between your legs, collect your pay check and tell Media Matters that your first day posting on The Blaze was a total failure. Bye, bye troll. We can delete youe account in a heartbeat.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 11:48pm

      @JoshFuchs
      Like I said before… your account can be deleted in a heartbeat. Bye, bye Josh Fuchs (himself). You are history. Hope you made enough money from Media Matters to buy yourself a one way bus ticket to Oakland, Ca.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • David Foxfire
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 1:08am

      “Spare the Rod Spoil the Child.”

      Those six words in the Bible drove more people from faith in Jesus Christ than the Total Gross of what comes out of Richard Dawkins’ mouth.

      Report Post »  
    • sacwoodpusher
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 1:28am

      Anybody who doesn’t hate to spank their kids should not spank them.

      I have raised 5 kids now, and I will tell you that the more I parented, the less I spanked. Am I opposed to spanking…..no, but there are sneakier, more effective ways to discipline, and it depends on the kid as to what is most effective. This I have learned….each kid is different, there is no manual, and once you write the manual on one kid, you learn that it doesn’t work on the next kid.

      I believe that spanking is justified when a very important lesson needs to be learned, specifically when the child‘s actions could result in the child’s death.

      Things I have learned:

      1)Don’t enforce bedtime, enforce getting up at the appropriate tme.
      2)Use shame. When a child says something hurtful, press the issue and follow the line of reasoning until the child is embarrassed he said such a thing.
      3)Teach things at times other than when the child is doing wrong.
      4)Lead by example, and explain why you reach a decision.
      5)Make sure you and your spouse agree, and put up a united front.
      6)Ultimately, I am the parent. I will explain calmly, but I do not bend. I am the parent, I may explain, but I do not have to explain, nor do I have to justify myself.

      Agreement is not necessary, but proper behavior is required

      Report Post »  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 9:49am

      Judging by some of the violent comments and death threats that Xtians leave on many of the boards, not just this one, leads me to believe this article. It comes as no shock.

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
    • majasdad
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 1:40pm

      @ Dismayed Veteran

      If you were to have hit your child in the heat of the moment, and immediately regretted your actions, that would perhaps be understandable (everyone makes mistakes) and even forgivable, but spanking a child when your not even angry just sounds sick to me, and very confusing to child as well no doubt.
      Not a good idea.

      Report Post »  
  • majasdad
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:44pm

    I live in Sweden. In Sweden it’s illegal to hit children period. Thankfully I don’t need a law to keep me from hitting my kids, and it’s not like there are government spies snooping around to make sure no one hits their children, but it sends a good message that children have the right to grow up without experiencing the pain, humiliation and powerlessness of a beating.
    The (very) occasional light slap on the butt is no big deal, perhaps, but in many cases it doesn‘t stop there and in those cases the parent’s/perpetrators actions should be punishable by law.

    Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:56pm

      You have the right to your opinion, but you don’t have right to shove your opinion down the throats of others.

      What’s ridiculous and hypocritical, is how you state spanking is wrong, then turn around and differentiate between a spanking and a beating. Jimminy Christmas you folks are dense. What do you think we’re talking about?

      You should have avoided posting so you could further avoid the humiliation of the verbal spanking you just got. Cheers.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • JoshFuchs
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:13pm

      Jaycen

      You have a right to your opinion. You do not have a right to shove your beatings down your child’s throat. See, you’re a hypocrite, clearly, and also clearly a victim of severe abuse as a child yourself. What is sad is that your otherwise loving and kind children will grow up instead more ignorant, aggressive, insecure and depressed because you decided to hit them instead of learning how to be a successful and loving parent.
      “You should have avoided posting so you could further avoid the humiliation of the verbal spanking you just got.”
      I am so sorry for your violent childhood experiences Jaycen, I sincerely hope you can recover from the extreme trauma and save your children from the same behavior problems.

      Report Post »  
    • selloursouls
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 11:40pm

      Okay I can’t help myself from feeding a troll. Josh I am curious how you shove a beating down a child’s throat. That just seems rather impossible. I know how you can shove cayenne pepper down a child’s throat and let me tell you, you will never call your mother stupid ever again. I also have to give you an “A” for condescension. Your post is simply dripping with it. Truly a work of genius. So do you take day or night classes?

      Report Post » selloursouls  
    • sacwoodpusher
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 1:41am

      I encourage you to stay in Sweden. We live in America, we have a culture we like, although we don’t all agree. We have freedom of speech, even of it offends someone. We, or our ancestors left Europe, for many reasons, and we don‘t need Sweden’s approval to be Americans.

      I know a little about Sweden’s mentality…..an Au paire from Sweden lived with us for a time, and I heard a lot of stupid American this, or stupid American that……..until I finally told her enouh was enough, and that if she really had this atitude, she should head on back. She did. Good riddance. She certainly wasn’t smart enough to justify her attitudes.

      Report Post »  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 9:52am

      Sweden is a superior culture. It’s clean, the fabulous trains run on time, and the people are healthy and well educated. If only the United States would become more like them.

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 9:55am

      Also, I believe it is Sweden which has a mandatory military service. When you are discharged, you keep your rifle and every year until a certain age you must qualify with it.

      Am I correct?

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
  • Wat Tyler
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:40pm

    Liberal drivel.

    Report Post » Wat Tyler  
    • JFC3
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:22pm

      @Wat Tyler

      Liberal drivel is correct. Has anyone considered males are supposed to be predisposed to aggression??? This has been the case since the dawn of time, along with the positive effects of spanking, and will continue to hold true until our species ceases to exist. As an expecting parent/functioning member of society (i.e. I pay taxes and don’t accept handout) and if my kid takes after his former hellion of a father, he will undoubtedly be spanked.

      Also, not only will he certainly be spanked when deserved, I will be keeping score in tee-ball. To the 99%, as you’re aware losing sucks, so do what I do and figure out ways to win, like spank you kids so they don’t grow up to be a pack of liberal as$ d0uche$.

      Report Post » JFC3  
  • hauschild
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:36pm

    “Does Spanking Children Make Them Predisposed to Aggression?”

    Hmmm….does not disciplining children predispose them to contracting OWS syndrome?

    It’s pretty obvious spanking kids turns out a better product. Compare a child reared in the 1940′s with one today. Which is the better citizen?

    Case closed.

    Report Post »  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:44pm

      HAUSCHILD; Amen!

      Report Post » pamela kay  
    • AnaChris
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:12pm

      amen

      Report Post » AnaChris  
    • JoshFuchs
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:18pm

      Children are still abused today. The fact is that children who are spanked skip 2 out of 12 stages of brain development. People from the 1940s were like grown children, ever seen Mad Men? Hardly moral people, so shove the passe traditionalist world view, you’re talking about a society of segregators, womanizers, etc.
      THE FACT IS SIMPLE AND IRREFUTABLE
      people who are spanked are dumber, more angry, and more depressed.
      That is the SCIENCE

      ANYTHING ELSE IS THE INSECURE OPINION OF AN ADULT DEFENDING HIS CHILDHOOD ABUSE.

      SEEK COUNSELING GUYS, YOU’RE NOT WELL.

      Report Post »  
    • JoshFuchs
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:19pm

      No, actually it doesn’t and you guys are only beating your children because you were beat. You did not think about it, or study it, you simply reacted, like children yourselves, because you did not develop fully into adults. Sorry, this is the irrefutable scientific fact: YOU ARE BAD PARENTS.

      Report Post »  
    • JFC3
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:26pm

      @Josh Fuchs

      Go back to your crappy OWS tent and cut the psycho-babble. Toughen up

      Report Post » JFC3  
    • ScottG-CO
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 6:22pm

      Josh, you need to cowboy up, you whiny little biotch!

      Good grief.

      It’s no wonder school kids walk into a school lunch room and start shooting- they have NO IDEA the difference between right and wrong.

      Report Post »  
    • GetRight
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 12:04pm

      Good point, Hauschild!

      Report Post » GetRight  
    • westy84
      Posted on August 9, 2012 at 3:59pm

      I could talk about how spanking increases childhood agression or the fact that it can causes long term mental health problems. I could bring up the fact that spanking children younger then 7 shatters the regulatory capacity of a child brain. but instead will argue it in this way.it used to be law that you could beat your wife with a stick or whip no bigger then your thumb.

      Now my question for you pro spankers should it still be okay to beat your wife with a stick no bigger then your thumb? and if you answered no(like I am sure 99 percent of you will answer) then why is it okay to do “spank” a child who more innocent & defensless then a wife(because they can not really defend themselfs & their brains are not fully developed)

      Report Post »  
  • HorseCrazy
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:18pm

    I have never had to spank my child. He is a good kid and timeout has always done the trick or losing his bike, horse, video game etc. I am fine with spanking if done properly ie last resort and for something very bad like running across the road without looking in the city etc but most children properly raised it shouldnt be necessary. I have seen way too many children get beaten by their folks for no apparent reason. Kids from “nice” families. I actually have spanked an adult in public very hard for spanking her 1 yr old for dropping her pacifier. Now that was satisfying.

    Report Post »  
    • Ming The Merciless
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:57pm

      Sounds kinky and creepy…

      Report Post » Ming The Merciless  
    • sacwoodpusher
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:09pm

      How old is this child that is a “good kid” that you never have to spank? I would say that, unless the child is over 21, the jury is still out as to whether he is a good kid or not. You might be raising a Jeffrey Dalmer.

      Report Post »  
  • Black Manta
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:08pm

    This is why humans don’t fear God cause, humans don’t fear their earthly father…Prov 13:24He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chastenth him betimes.Prov 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

    Report Post » Black Manta  
    • Wat Tyler
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:45pm

      What an inspiring note! Thanks BLACK MANTA!

      The Bible not only endorses spanking, but DEMANDS it!

      That’s good enough for me!

      Report Post » Wat Tyler  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on March 7, 2012 at 10:11am

      I don‘t fear something that doesn’t exist. What I fear is the repercussions of a society that believes in fairy tales.

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
  • whatthecrazy
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:59pm

    My father took my mother to court for the abuse he knew we were recieving from her when he was at work,needless to say that was a waste of time.I was determined that i was going to do a better job raising my children and yes it included spankings but without the abuse.People are wrong to believe just because a child is abused they too will abuse and unless you have ever felt abuse, not a spanking, by the one person in the whole world who is suppose to love you the most, well ,lets just say it sucks…………….BTW my children turned out pretty dang well if i do say so myself……………….

    Report Post »  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:21pm

      I was abused and I agree it doesn’t predispose me to abuse my children. On the contrary I would never in a million years treat mine the way I was treated…the cycle stops. I tend to my child with love and care instead of black eyes and fear.

      Report Post »  
  • bitter clinger
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:51pm

    This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.

    Report Post » bitter clinger  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:50pm

    .
    Does Spanking Children Make Them Predisposed to Aggression?

    No, Stupid People do……..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Tickdog
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:05pm

      you hit the nail on the head buddy!

      Report Post » Tickdog  
    • ScottG-CO
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 6:28pm

      USAF2003- that is as SPOT ON a comment as I have EVER seen posted here!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • momprayn
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:49pm

    Agree with those saying it’s best to do it referring to Proverbs, etc.
    If you can discipline a child in another way (that works) – that’s great. Depends on the child. But yes, it‘s generally true the ones who aren’t raised this way turn out to be the troublemakers, the “takers”, the “malcontents”, etc. Liberals thinking to “control” people from getting undue abuse (as many do unfortunately), further their liberal cause of non-discipline, they need to try to get this out about no spanking. They’ve been working on that for decades & we’ve been seeing the fruit of their labor. A lot of parents now are afraid of disciplining their children for fear of being “tattled” on and fined or sent to jail for child abuse…..like the Muslims, they control by fear.

    Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:19pm

      Do what my sister he her son called the police on her for spanking him. She told him to pack a bag he leaving with the police. If he couldn‘t live by her rules he’ld be living by someone elses. He started crying and begging to stay. When the police showed up she point blank told them either he’s my son or the states but get the he77 off her property. He never tried that again.

      Report Post »  
    • JoshFuchs
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:23pm

      No, this is a complete lie. SCIENCE has completely proven 100% the opposite is true. YOU DO NOT CARE ABOUT TRUTH ONLY DEFENDING VIOLENCE, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

      Report Post »  
  • expatinontariocanada
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:47pm

    Proverbs 13:24

    Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

    Proverbs 23:13-14

    Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you stirke him with a rod, he will not die. If strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.

    Proverbs 29:17

    Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

    Report Post » expatinontariocanada  
    • majasdad
      Posted on March 9, 2012 at 3:59am

      I can only thank God I never had a parent like you seem to be (if you are a parent, that is).

      You’re referring to a 2000 year old approach to disciplining children. While your at it, why don’t you make the case for reinstating the cutting off of tongues; hanging, drawing and quartering; death by 1000 cuts, burning at the stake, flaying, crucifying etc.

      Come to think of it, maybe it would be better for you to mentally embrace the 21st century.

      Report Post »  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:47pm

    “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.”
    Proverbs 19:18, KJV

    “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”
    Proverbs 22:15, KJV

    “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.”
    Proverbs 23:13-14, KJV

    “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
    Proverbs 29:15, KJV

    “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.”
    Proverbs 29:17, KJV

    “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
    Ephesians 6:1-4, KJV

    “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
    Colossians 3:20-21, KJV

    “The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.”
    Proverbs 10:1, KJV

    “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.”
    Proverbs 13:1, KJV

    “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • Locked
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:41pm

    There’s a time and a place for everything. I was spanked all of once as a child; and once was enough (nothing quite as terrifying as a father chasing his 5-year old son through the house yelling after I broke a window). Other kids I knew were spanked all the time and just acted up all the more; eventually spanking lost any “threat” to them. One family in particular was interesting; the father offered a middle-of-the-road approach: either spanking or grounding. The kids eventually just chose spanking because it was over quickly. They never really improved their behavior.

    And then again, plenty of kids were spanked and turned out fine, and others were never touched by their parents and turned out fine too. If I had to go with personal anecdotes, I’d agree with the study; constant spanking doesn‘t help and when it’s the go-to punishment on unruly kids, it can lead to a worse outcome in many cases.

    Report Post »  
  • TH30PH1LUS
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:40pm

    I recieved spankings and was better for it.

    Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • majasdad
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 1:33pm

      @TH30PH1LUS

      I beg to differ.
      How could you possibly know that spanking made you a better person?
      And judging from your comments, I doubt that very much.

      Report Post »  
  • ADNIL
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:38pm

    It would appear that the “yes”s have it.

    When my contemporaries were raising children, spanking was not in vogue, and they raised some of the worst brats. I had to stop inviting them to my house and ended up disassociating all together because not only did they not spank them but no discipline at all was imposed. They were little feral animals. They did not believe in taking them to church, as I remember, either. No wonder we are in the state we are in now.

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:34pm

    More “scientific” BS… from the “Big Bang Theory”!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • million
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:30pm

    Spare the rod and spoil the child has much merit. Compared to todays youth us babyboomers are righteous and responsible as a Navy Seal lest you take in account how we feel asleep at the wheel over the last forty years on the political front. I have apoligized to my children for just that and told them with their help we will make one hell of a comeback and claim our great nation once again. Its all hands on deck in our family now.

    Report Post » million  
    • Smokey_Bojangles
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:35pm

      Not Spanking Children leads to them covered in filth at an OWS protest with the Laptop Computer,iPad,Designer Che Shirt,Timberland boots,Levi Pants,Abercrombie & Fitch coat all bought with Mommy and Daddy’s credit card protesting evil corporations and wanting Something for nothing,complaining that their degree in Gay and Lesbian Latino Studies has not gotten them a job yet.

      Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • Virginia Rebel
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:28pm

    Good grief! The evidence is all around us, especially in the public schools, that the LACK of spanking plays a big role in children and young adults not having a clue about how to behave correctly and knowing all about how to be rude and nasty. Does anybody remember a school shooting from the days when kids got hauled to principals office and had a paddle applied to an appropriate place? Kids need to know where the boundaries are, they scream out of it. And sometimes a paddle is all they will listen to.

    Report Post »  
  • Minonkman
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:27pm

    All of the kids in our family were beat, sometimes we were lined up in a row. We got to the point that we could not feel the pain, that just seemed to piss my Mom off even more. We were hit with anything handy at the time, coat hangers, switches, just anything.

    Report Post » Minonkman  
  • bsnrn98
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:22pm

    God invented spankings, conservative Christians did not, contrary to secular opinion. Check out the book of Proverbs. It has many references to discipline. “the rod of correction” “a child will not die from the blueness of his wounds” “mischief is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him” etc. The problem nowdays is that there are too many meddlesome people.

    Report Post »  
    • JoshFuchs
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:24pm

      Christians invented God, fake superstition is not an excuse to mutilate or assault your children.

      Report Post »  
    • ScottG-CO
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 6:34pm

      Josh, it is easy to see that you were never in the military, as there are no atheists in fox holes. Perhaps someday you will gather your wits about you- we shall all be praying the day comes soon for you. Until then, may what little common sense you choose to use that the good Lord gave you keep you safe. Safe from others that were raised like you and STILL don’t know the difference between right and wrong.

      Report Post »  
    • selloursouls
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 11:45pm

      Josh you are simply adorable.

      Report Post » selloursouls  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:16pm

    I say this much: Spare the rod and you spoil the child.

    Mind you there is a difference between discipline of a child, and blatant usage of said discipline to where it becomes clear abuse. Benny Hinn summed it up real well one time: “Stimulate the posterior when absolutly needed, and you stimulate the mind.”

    My nephew is 24 now, spoiled and one of the Occupy members (to my families shame); he never was disciplined in any way growing up and now demands that the world owes him a living. His last rage of temper was directed at me, and showed him never to do so again (no I did not hit him, the look I gave let him know what would happen if he did dare to strike first though).

    We have these lunatics nowdays who stand against discipline of any kind; even the ‘everyone is a winner’ and fail to see (for the most part) what damage they are doing when reality slams home on all of them.

    Discipline is something that is either learned early in life, or learned hard by experience – assuming you survive it of course.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • SgtB
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:24pm

      I believe the original saying was he who spares the rod hates his child. So if you do not discipline your child, you are hateful and committing child neglect or abuse.

      Also, does anyone else think that the “criminologist” that did this “study” looks like a pedophile?

      Report Post » SgtB  
  • blackyb
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:16pm

    I imagine it would if you beat them with two-by-fours. They need spankings with a couple of swift pops on the butt with a hand, or scare them with a very small switch if they are really pig headed. If people haven’t got sense enough to raise children, and has to ask someone, or are mean and mistreat children, then they don’t need any. Don’t even get a dog, because you’re too stupid to have one of those either.

    Report Post » blackyb  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:25pm

      My dad always said it was to “get our attention” … you learn to listen much quicker if you get a swat or two … to get your attention!

      Report Post »  
  • AxelPhantom
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:14pm

    I’d be interested to know how they compensated for social differences (exposure to environment) in the study.

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:20pm

      They didn’t bother. They had the result they wanted before they started and set up a study to get there.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • JoshFuchs
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:25pm

      then read the study, you’d be the first person on this entire site who offering an opinion to do so.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 8:48pm

      @JoshFuchs
      Hi newbie poster! Wow, first day and already spreading your Media Matters troll trash. You will soon learn that the experienced posters here pegged you for what you are… a Media Matters troll. You won‘t be getting any responses to your posts except one’s like this. So take your little troll fanny back to Media Matters with your tail tucked between your legs, collect your pay check and tell Media Matters that your first day posting on The Blaze was a total failure. Bye, bye troll. BTW, your name svcks.Or should I say, JoshFuched himself while posting on The Blaze today.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • Seneca264
    Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:08pm

    I was not spanked, I was beaten. In today’s world, my father would have arrested for child abuse without question. I am not aggressive, as a matter of fact very much the opposite. So much for this BS theory.

    Report Post » Seneca264  
    • SgtB
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 3:30pm

      Too true. It didn’t take but a few disciplinary actions from my parents to keep myself and my siblings in line. The people that I see on a daily basis who are rude and prone to unsanctioned violence come from single parent homes and homes without disciplinary actions at all. Oh, and there is a BIG difference between disciplining a child with a belt and abusing a child for your own amusement. There should be no comparison made between these actions and their outcomes.

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • flatdaddio
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:28pm

      I’m with ya!

      Report Post »  
    • TOMSERVO
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 4:38pm

      Were you beaten in the head? Because your understanding of how a study works and the way you prescribe your specific anecdotal evidence to disprove it suggests that you are not very bright.

      Report Post »  
    • JoshFuchs
      Posted on March 6, 2012 at 5:21pm

      You guys should read the actual science instead of this article, which was written by someone who clearly knows less than jack and **** about the issue (genetics? lmfao seriously?). And most of you should seek counseling for the abuse you experienced, clearly you have not processed it correctly if you’re still defending the behavior into your adult life.

      Report Post »  
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