Children Who Are Smacked More Likely to Fail Exams and Become Bullies, Major Study Finds

A major new study has found that children who are physically punished by their parents are more likely to struggle academically and engage in bullying behavior later in life, prompting renewed calls for a ban on smacking in England and Northern Ireland.

Researchers from University College London (UCL) analyzed data from around 19,000 children born in the UK during the early 2000s. The findings revealed that children who experienced physical punishment at ages three, five, and seven were significantly less likely to achieve strong GCSE results compared with those who were not physically disciplined.

The study found that repeated exposure to smacking was associated with lower literacy levels and a greater likelihood of failing to achieve five GCSE passes, including English and mathematics. Even after accounting for family background, parental attitudes, and socioeconomic factors, 48% of children who experienced repeated physical punishment failed to reach this benchmark, compared with 42% of those who did not.

Researchers also discovered a link between childhood physical punishment and antisocial behavior during adolescence. Young people who were smacked were more likely to bully siblings, engage in cyberbullying, display aggression, or participate in acts of vandalism. The negative effects appeared to be particularly strong among boys.

Child welfare organizations and lawmakers have seized on the findings to push for legal reform. The NSPCC said the research provides further evidence that physical punishment does not improve behavior and can instead lead to long-term harm. Campaigners argue that children in England and Northern Ireland should receive the same legal protection from assault that is already in place in Scotland and Wales.

Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft, urged the government to act on the report’s recommendations, noting that Scotland and Wales have already implemented bans on physical punishment.

Despite the growing pressure, the Department for Education said there are currently no plans to introduce legislation banning smacking. Under existing law in England, parents can rely on the defense of "reasonable punishment" if accused of physically disciplining their children.

The UCL researchers concluded that physical punishment may have wider consequences for society due to its links with educational underachievement and antisocial behavior. Lead researcher Dr. Anja Heilmann described the decision not to outlaw physical punishment as a missed opportunity, arguing that all children have the right to grow up free from violence.

The study also highlighted that physical punishment remains relatively common, with more than one in five 10-year-olds reported to have experienced it during 2020-21. Researchers believe the practice is likely even more prevalent among younger children.