7 November 2008 Research finds many parents do not believe physical punishment effective
Research conducted by Emeritus Professor Anne Smith and Julie Lawrence of Otago University shows that smacking is rated eighth out of eleven methods (below time-out, distraction, and hugs and smiles) as an effective form of discipline.of child discipline and very few parents think it an effective way of controlling children. The research, which will be published in the November issue of the journal CHILDRENZ Issues, was conducted between December 2006 and July 2008. While 41% of parents surveyed said that they smacked only 9% thought it effective and 34% said it was ineffective. The study also found that over 60% of parents surveyed are unclear about the implications of the law change. This is a clear indication that there is a need for better public information about the law and how it is working in practice.