Photo courtesy of the Washington Examiner.

Jeers to the Washington Examiner for running “Smacking your kid is good for him,” an article that disses the credibility of social workers.

The article cites a recent study from Michigan’s Calvin College, a Christian liberal arts institution, that says children who received corporal punishment performed better in school and were more likely to go to college and do volunteer work. 

Writer Thomas McAdam then goes on to say Dr. Benjamin Spock, psychologists and social workers in the last half of the 20th century unwisely advised parents to stop using corporal punishment altogether. He said these groups made that  recommendation without “valid scientific research.”

That is wrong. According to the National Association of Social Workers the “weight of evidence” has repeatedly shown physical punishment of children is not as effective as other means of behavior management. 

According to NASW policy: 

“The use of physical force against people, especially children, is antithetical to the best values of a democratic society and of the social work profession. Thus, NASW opposes the use of physical punishment in homes, schools, and all other institutions, both public and private, where children are cared for and educated.”