Self-reported spanking history among adults in Canada: Prevalence, experiences, and attitudinal beliefs

While the literature indicates that corporal punishment, and specifically spanking, is associated with several poor outcomes, little is known about the prevalence of spanking and attitudinal beliefs about spanking in Canada. The overall aims of the study were to (1) compute the prevalence of self-reported spanking history and attitudinal spanking beliefs; (2) determine if a spanking history varies according to gender, sexual identity, or birth cohort; and (3) examine how spanking history, gender, sexual identity, and birth cohort are associated with (a) attitudinal spanking beliefs and (b) the practice of spanking one's own child.

Data were obtained from all Canadian provinces for the 2024 Childhood Adversity and Resilience-Youth and Early Adulthood Research Study (CARe-YEARS; n = 3767; ages 18 to 49 years). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

In the sample, 55.6% reported being spanked as a child with the lowest prevalence (48.9%) among the youngest birth cohort. Overall, 22.6% reported that the spanking left a mark or bruise, or caused lasting physical pain and 15.0% believed spanking is necessary to properly raise a child. Several gender, sexual identity, and birth cohort differences were noted.

Ongoing policies and prevention strategies are needed in Canada to further reduce both the attitudinal belief that spanking is necessary to properly raise a child and the use of spanking in a disciplinary context. An important step in advancing child protection in Canada is to repeal the law permitting spanking and to enhance prevention efforts with a focus on gender and sexual identity.