Parenting Tips: Should you slap your child when they make a mistake? Find out what the experts say..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 16 Dec, 2025
In the past, scolding or hitting children was considered normal, whether at home or school, but times have changed. Nowadays, there is much debate about the use of strictness or physical punishment to discipline children. Today, physically punishing children is not only legally wrong, but it can also be mentally and emotionally harmful.

Some people believe that hitting a child is not wrong for proper upbringing and discipline. However, many experts consider physical punishment to be wrong. In this article, we will understand what experts advise regarding modern methods of disciplining children and what effects physical punishment can have on them.
Should Children Be Hit? Experts' Opinions
In the last few decades, society has changed, and considering physical punishment as a part of discipline is now considered wrong. According to experts, hitting children negatively impacts their self-esteem and can break their spirit. Positive reinforcement and communication methods are more effective in improving children's behavior. Physical punishment may scare children, but they don't understand the difference between right and wrong.
What does Dr. Malhar say?
However, Dr. Malhar Ganla believes that giving children a slap or two for their mistakes or excessive mischief is not wrong. How will children understand their mistakes if they are not punished? He says that today's generation of children is shielded from scolding and physical punishment, and therefore, they lose courage when faced with life's challenges.
In a video shared on social media, he asked his son's teacher to hit him for skipping school. However, many users in the comments below his video criticized this, saying that comparing our generation to today's generation is wrong. Today's generation of children is emotionally weaker. In such a situation, physical punishment can have a negative impact on their minds and emotions.
Effects of Physical Punishment
Physical punishment can not only physically injure children but also cause mental and emotional harm. Research has shown that physical punishment can increase aggression in children and lead to low self-esteem. Furthermore, physical discipline can also create fear and distrust in children, which can damage their relationships with their parents and teachers.
Is physical punishment still necessary today?
Some people believe that physically punishing children makes them realize their mistakes, but many experts say this is an outdated way of thinking. Mental and emotional discipline methods are now considered more effective. Open communication with children, genuine love, and guidance in the right direction are far more important.
New methods of teaching discipline
Modern parenting guidelines emphasize the importance of love, understanding, and communication in teaching children discipline. For example, explaining to children what their mistake was and what they should do differently in the future is a more beneficial approach. Additionally, setting small goals and offering rewards can boost a child's confidence.

What are the right ways to discipline children?
If you want your child to learn discipline, the most important thing is to teach them with love and understanding. Punishing children physically out of anger is not only wrong, but it can also negatively impact their mental development. Instead, talk to your children, understand their feelings, and give them opportunities to correct their mistakes in a positive way.
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