Parents are quick to spank when frustrated or angered by what the child has done. This is well noted in the child's mind when the parent spanks him or her. Spanking distracts the child from learning how to resolve conflict in an effective and humane way. This effective and humane way might be to sit the child in "time-out" or take away privileges that he or she might not enjoy being taken away. There are other alternatives to physical punishment than hitting a child on the rear. According to Lee, a recent study at the University of New Hampshire revealed that spanking may have a negative impact on cognitive development; among more than 900 children age 1 to 4, those who were rarely or never spanked by their parents fared better on intelligence tests (15-16). Spanking also leads a child to believe that it is okay for bigger people to hit smaller people. Andero and Stewart say that spanking communicates that hitting is an acceptable way to solve problems, and that it is all right for a big person to strike a smaller one (90). This may lead to behavioral problems.
Behavioral problems that can result from spanking are depression, anxiety, anger, and frustration. Spanking is the least effective form of discipline. It is harmful emotionally to both parent and child and is only stopping the behavior temporarily. Spanking does not teach alternate behavior, it interferes with the development of trust, a sense of security, and effective communication. Spanking often becomes the method of communication. Emotional pain and resentment will build up in a child and cause problems in his or her actions later down the road. Andero says, " The child is a recipient of an act of physical force under conditions which allow no opportunity for self defense and which produced physical pain. This situation can evoke in a child the strong emotional reactions of humiliation and anger" (90). Angry teenagers do not fall from the sky.