GuidelineEvidence: Official guidelineAges 0–18
Effective Discipline to Raise Healthy Children (AAP clinical report)
Author or publisher American Academy of Pediatrics; Sege & Siegel, Pediatrics Published 2018 Reviewed by eduStack editors Last checked 13 Nov 2026
1What parents should know
The AAP advises against spanking, hitting, slapping, threatening, insulting or shaming children, and recommends teaching good behaviour through healthy forms of discipline instead.
2Sources and check record
https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-3112 American Academy of Pediatrics; Sege & Siegel, Pediatrics. Effective Discipline to Raise Healthy Children (AAP clinical report). 2018. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-3112 Last checked · 13 Nov 2026
The research behind it
Start with the finding, then check the study type, source and limits. We select research by topic; a programme’s overall effect does not establish the effect of each activity.Meta-analyses of 75 studies found spanking was linked to a range of poor outcomes for children and was not linked to better behaviour.
Related
Classic book Evidence: Expert opinion Ages 3–13
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk A long-running practical guide to everyday conversations with children - acknowledging feelings, inviting cooperation and alternatives to punishment.
Adele Faber, Elaine Mazlish1980
Classic book Evidence: Expert opinion Ages 2–13
The Whole-Brain Child Explains, in terms children can understand, how the developing brain works, with twelve strategies for handling big feelings.
Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson2011
Classic book Evidence: Expert opinion Ages 12–18
Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain Presents teenage intensity, risk-taking and the push for independence as part of healthy brain development, and how parents can stay connected.
Daniel J. Siegel2013