Research reveals that fighting between youths – particularly females – is less common where corporal punishment has been outlawed.

Countries that ban the smacking of children appear to be safer for young people to grow up in, according to research revealing that fighting between youths – particularly females – is less common where corporal punishment has been outlawed.

Experts say the study adds to a growing body of evidence that punishing children by smacking, slapping or spanking them can lead to later harm. The research has led to renewed calls for policymakers to ban such practices in both schools and the home.

“The association with academic problems and mental health problems and so on among those kids that have this experience in early life, that is pretty well established,” said Dr Frank Elgar, co-author of the research from McGill University in Canada. “Our question was about policy.”

Alana Ryan, senior public affairs and policy officer at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, said the study suggests national bans keep children safe from their peers as well as adults.

“Physical discipline should have no place in society and the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ should be removed from law,” Ryan said. “It’s high time that the positive steps which Wales and Scotland have taken to keep our children safe are echoed across the rest of the UK.”