A new study published in Psychology of Violence has sparked debate in the U.S., revealing an unexpected and somewhat shocking statistic: 30% of American parents with young children support using spanking as a disciplinary method. However, 87% oppose hitting their pets, specifically dogs.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan and Ohio State University, surveyed 286 parents across the United States with children aged 0-8. Interestingly, 90% of respondents acknowledged that spanking is a form of violence akin to hitting a child. Yet, nearly one-third still deemed it an acceptable disciplinary practice—almost double the 17% who supported physically disciplining their pets.
For comparison, the survey also found that only 1% of respondents considered hitting a spouse acceptable, while none condoned children striking their parents.
A Contradiction in Parenting Perspectives
“As a clinical psychologist specializing in parenting, I often encounter a puzzling contradiction: parents who would never dream of hitting their dog consider spanking their child an acceptable form of discipline,” said Dr. Robyn Koslowitz from the New Jersey Center for Psychological Growth.
She argues that this inconsistency raises significant questions about societal beliefs and misconceptions regarding corporal punishment.
The Myth of “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child”
Many parents justify spanking as an educational tool, believing it instills discipline. However, research consistently debunks this notion. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advises against corporal punishment, highlighting its potential to:
- Cause serious injuries, especially in children under 18 months
- Increase aggression in preschool and school-age children
- Lead to antisocial behaviors in later years
- Contribute to mental health and cognitive issues
- Damage parent-child relationships
- Escalate into abuse, especially in high-stress households facing financial difficulties, mental health struggles, domestic violence, or substance abuse
“Spanking leads to significant deficits in social skills, empathy, and self-regulation in children. Rather than improving behavior, it often worsens it,” Dr. Koslowitz explained.
Additionally, a comprehensive review published in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine linked physical punishment to heightened aggression, antisocial tendencies, and mental health struggles in children.
Hitting Kids but Not Dogs: A Double Standard?
The Psychology of Violence article sheds light on an apparent double standard in American parenting: why do more parents find spanking children acceptable compared to disciplining pets the same way?
Dr. Koslowitz suggests that this shift stems from evolving attitudes toward animals. Many Americans now view their pets as family members, deserving gentle care and humane treatment—views supported by growing animal rights movements.
From a broader perspective, only 1% of respondents supported hitting a spouse, while 0% found it acceptable for children to hit parents. The 17% who approved of disciplining pets fit into a logical pattern. However, the 30% who endorsed spanking children stood out as an outlier, suggesting outdated parenting practices persist despite evolving societal norms.
A Flawed Logical Argument
Even within this double standard, the logic behind spanking as a learning tool appears flawed. If physical punishment is effective, why not apply it universally—including to animals?
Dogs cannot comprehend human language in the same way children can. Explaining right and wrong to a child is possible, while reasoning with a dog is not. Logically, physical punishment would make more sense for training animals than disciplining children. In fact, coercive methods have long been used in animal training, such as in circuses.
“If you believe hitting a dog is wrong but accept spanking as a valid parenting tool, you are engaging in contradictory logic,” Dr. Koslowitz said.
“Either corporal punishment is acceptable across the board—or it isn’t. Under scrutiny, the justification for spanking collapses,” she added.
Changing Perspectives on Parenting
Perhaps due to this contradiction, one-third of parents surveyed admitted that the study changed their perspective. They reconsidered their stance on corporal punishment, recognizing the hypocrisy in treating pets with more compassion than their own children.
Dr. Koslowitz urges parents to remain calm in stressful situations, emphasizing that emotional regulation is key. “Parents must model the emotional control they want to see in their children. By avoiding corporal punishment, they teach emotional intelligence and conflict resolution in a healthier way.”
As perspectives on parenting evolve, this study serves as a thought-provoking reminder to reflect on long-held disciplinary practices and the logic—or lack thereof—behind them.
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