Best Anti-Spanking Resources

To help me and help you to spread the message that spanking is harmful, I've compiled some of my favourite anti-spanking resources.

Plain Talk About Spanking

This great resource prepared by Project No Spank summarizes a variety of research on the harmful effects of spanking. It starts with a great explanation of why "I was spanked and I turned out okay" isn't a good reason to hit your kids. It then goes on to present a list of facts about spanking, including:

• The lasting effect of spanking

• Lost trust

• Neglect is not the only alternative to spanking 

• Link between spousal abuse and spanking

• Escalation from small tap for big behavioural problem to routine abuse

• Link between spanking and sexual molestation and sexual development

• Physical dangers of hitting the buttocks and the hands

• Dangers of shaking

• Link between spanking and poor performance at school

• Link between spanking and smoking, drinking and drugs

• Link between spanking and criminal behaviour

• Link between spanking and prejudice

• Link between spanking and brain development

• Spanking at school

It then includes a series of quotes from experts about spanking and has links to a number of articles that they have written on the topic too.  That is followed by these questions and answers: Q: What do virtually all juvenile delinquents have in common?A: They have been raised by spankers.

Q: What was a common feature of the childhoods of Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Saddam Hussein and Charles Manson?A: Each one was relentlessly, severely, physically punished.

Q: What do most prisoners on death row have in common?A: Plenty of spankings during childhood.

Q: What do rapists, arsonists, terrorists, torturers, serial killers, mass murderers, suicide bombers, kidnappers, snipers, assassins, muggers, vandals, spouse batterers and stalkers have in common?A: Violent upbringing.

Q: Which child is destined never to join the company of felons?A: One who is raised in a nurturing, attentive, supportive, non-spanking family.

Q: To turn a friendly puppy into a vicious guard dog, what must you do to it?A: Restrict its movement and beat it often.

Finally, the document ends with information on what you can do to help (spread the word!) and some additional resources for further study.