Younger Parents Report Lower Rates of Spanking
A new study shows that Gen Z and millennial parents utilize physical discipline less frequently than the Gen X generation.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Parenting
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A September 2026 study in the Canadian Journal of Public Health reveals that 20 percent of Gen Z and millennial parents use spanking as discipline. The survey of 4,000 adults shows significant generational shifts in how parents approach physical discipline.
Why it matters
Understanding current parenting trends is essential as global policies shift, with 69 countries now having legally abolished corporal punishment for children. This study provides a snapshot of how upbringing and evolving norms influence modern child-rearing practices.
In a survey of 4,000 adults published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health, 20 percent of Gen Z and millennial parents reported using spanking, compared to 45 percent of Gen X parents. It remains unclear how these specific parenting choices correlate with future developmental outcomes.
The players
Canadian Journal of Public Health
An academic publication that disseminates research on public health issues and policies.
The details
Physical discipline is defined as the use of force intended to cause pain or discomfort. While some jurisdictions like Australia maintain legal provisions for reasonable chastisement, attitudes vary globally. The survey also found that 55.6 percent of parents were spanked three or more times during their own childhoods, highlighting a potential link between past experiences and current parenting methods.
Timeline
1979: Sweden became the first country to outlaw corporal punishment.
2017: Study found a link between spanking and later violent behavior.
2021: Study found a link between spanking and externalizing behaviors.
September 2026: The study was published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health.
Health Landscape
The global trend toward restricting corporal punishment has accelerated since the 1979 Swedish ban, with 69 countries now having abolished the practice. This study illustrates the gap between these legal frameworks and the ongoing reality of parental discipline methods.
Parents may find it useful to discuss alternative discipline strategies with a pediatrician or family counselor. Exploring non-physical techniques is a common topic in pediatric checkups for those seeking to move away from corporal punishment.
The takeaway
While generational attitudes toward discipline are evolving, the debate over the necessity of spanking remains active, with 15 percent of surveyed adults still viewing it as necessary. Families interested in learning about effective, non-physical discipline methods should consider consulting with a pediatrician.
Further reading
For more on child development and discipline, see our guide to Parenting.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kidspot.
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