Pediatricians warn parents against spanking children as it can leave them with brain changes, aggression and suicidal behavior
Nearly 20 years after the agency's release of 'Guidance for Effective Discipline', it issued an advisory on Monday, which said parents should 'be encouraged' against spanking
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has fortified its previous stand on corporal punishment with a new policy statement. The organization has stated that forms of corporal punishment, like spanking, should not be used as a method to discipline children.
Nearly 20 years after the agency's release of 'Guidance for Effective Discipline', it issued a follow-up advisory on Monday, which stated that parents should "be encouraged" to not use spanking as punishment. The advisory also entailed a note from doctors who say there "appears to be a strong association between spanking children and subsequent adverse outcomes," PEOPLE reported.