Spanking children can cause long-term developmental damage and may even lower a child's IQ, according to a new study in Canada.
The study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, reached its conclusion after examining 20 years of published research on the issue.
The authors say medical findings have been largely overshadowed by concerns that parents should have the right to determine how their children are disciplined.
One of the authors, Joan Durant, says there is a mountain of accumulated evidence showing the damage physical punishment can have on a child.
Co-author Ron Ensom cites research showing it makes children more aggressive and antisocial, and can cause cognitive impairment and developmental difficulties.
