There are plenty of punishment methods more effective than spanking for parents to utilize. The AAP notes there are safer and more effective methods of teaching children right from wrong.
This statement was published in the December issue of Pediatrics and also touched upon the harm associated with verbal punishment, such as shaming or humiliation, while informing parents and physicians of effective disciplinary methods for raising healthy kids. The AAP has found that corporal punishment and harsh verbal abuse are likely to cause a child to be fearful in the short term, but does not improve behavior over the long term β and may even cause more aggressive behaviors.
Research has shown that hitting a child, yelling at or shaming them will likely elevate stress hormones and lead to negative changes in their brain's composition.
Further, harsh verbal abuse is linked to mental health problems in preteens and adolescents. Benjamin S. Siegel, co-author of the policy statement.
The key is to be consistent in following through with them. The policy calls upon pediatricians to use their influence during office visits on families who may need help with age-appropriate discipline methods.
