Study links smacking to lower GCSE grades and increased risky behaviour

A UCL study of 19,000 UK children found that physical punishment is associated with lower exam results and more risky behaviour, renewing calls for a legal ban in England and Northern Ireland.

• Researchers observed that smacked children were 5.7 percentage points more likely to fail to achieve five GCSE passes at grades A*-C, including English and Maths.
• The study also found that 14-year-olds who experienced physical punishment in early childhood were 33% more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as bullying.
• Lead researcher Anja Heilmann said the findings show smacking "does no good whatsoever" and called for England and Northern Ireland to outlaw the practice, as Scotland and Wales have done.
• Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long said she supports removing the legal defence of reasonable punishment to protect children, but a bill containing the proposal was dropped earlier this month.