There are no pros to parents using physical punishment ('beating') their children for poor behavior. In fact, there are many negative consequences, both short-term and long-term.

**Short-term consequences**

- Children who are physically punished are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
- They are also more likely to engage in aggressive behaviors, such as hitting, kicking, and biting.
- Physical punishment can also lead to physical injuries, such as bruises, welts, and broken bones.

**Long-term consequences**

- Children who are physically punished are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol as adults.
- They are also more likely to engage in criminal activity.
- Physical punishment can also lead to problems with relationships, such as difficulty trusting others and forming close bonds.

**Studies**

There are many studies that have shown the negative consequences of physical punishment. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that children who were physically punished were more likely to be aggressive as adults. Another study, published in the journal Child Development, found that children who were physically punished were more likely to have mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.

**Conclusion**

There is no evidence to suggest that physical punishment is an effective way to discipline children. In fact, the evidence suggests that it is harmful and can lead to a number of negative consequences. If you are a parent, please do not hit your children. There are many other, more effective ways to discipline them.

- Gershoff, E. T., & Grogan-Kaylor, A. (2016). Spanking and child outcomes: Old controversies and new meta-analyses. Journal of Family Psychology, 30(4), 453–469. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000191
- Afifi, T. O., Ford, D., Gershoff, E. T., Merrick, M., Grogan-Kaylor, A., Ports, K. A., MacMillan, H. L., Holden, G. W., Taylor, C. A., Lee, S. J., & Bennett, R. P. (2017). Spanking and adult mental health impairment: The case for the designation of spanking as an adverse childhood experience. Child Abuse & Neglect, 71(Supplement C), 24–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.01.014
- Tomoda A., Suzuki H., Rabi K., Sheu Y.-S., Polcari A., Teicher M.H. (2009) Reduced prefrontal cortical gray matter volume in young adults exposed to harsh corporal punishment. Neuroimage 47 (Suppl 2):T66–T71
- Sheu Y.-S., Polcari A., Anderson C.M., Teicher M.H. (2010) Harsh corporal punishment is associated with increased T2 relaxation time in dopamine-rich regions. Neuroimage 53:412–419
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