Those recommendations are based on the latest research from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The organization, which represents about 67,000 pediatricians from across the nation, will release its findings in the AAP’s own journal Pediatrics in the December issue.

The AAP’s revised policy cites new evidence linking “corporal punishment” to an increased risk of negative behavioral, cognitive, psychosocial and emotional outcomes for children. In the updated policy, the AAP defines corporal punishment as the “non-injurious, open handed hitting with the intention of modifying child behavior.” Defined this way, corporal punishment is distinct from child abuse.

The new guidelines from the AAP takes a much stronger stance on corporal punishment, as opposed to the previous “guidance on discipline” published in 1998 that recommended parents be “encouraged” not to spank.

“I hope this study helps parents look at why they discipline. The purpose for discipline should be to change a behavior for the long term, not punishment,” said Jamye Coffman, M.D., a child abuse pediatrician and medical director of the C.A.R.E team at Cook Children’s.

Along with spanking, the policy also addressed the harm associated with verbal punishment, such as shaming and humiliation.

“Research has shown that striking children, yelling at them or shaming can elevate stress hormones and lead to changes in the brain’s architecture,” a statement released from the AAP said. “Harsh verbal abuse also is linked to mental health problems in preteens and adolescents.”

Instead, the AAP encourages the reinforcement of appropriate behaviors, set limits, redirect children and set expectation.

“Punishment that shames or degrades a child is never OK,” Dr. Coffman said. “It can lead to anxiety, depression, and aggression in the future. It can also harm the parent/child relationship leading to a cycle of behavior problems.”

The study was conducted in the 20 largest U.S. cities. The research found that children who were spanked more than twice a month were more aggressive in the surveys that followed.

“Children who experience repeated use of corporal punishment tend to develop more aggressive behaviors, increased aggression in school, and an increased risk of mental health disorders and cognitive problems,” the AAP stated. “In cases where warm parenting practices occurred alongside corporal punishment, the link between harsh discipline and adolescent conduct disorder and depression remained.”

The research found it was not unusual for parents to spank their kids occasionally, certain factors increased the use of corporal punishment, including parents who suffer from depression and families facing economic challenges, mental health problems, intimate partner violence and substance abuse.

More information from the AAP

• Effective Discipline to Raise Healthy Children (the study)
• Disciplining Your Child 
• Time-Outs 101 
• Discipline vs. punishment: What works best for children? 
• How to Shape and Manage Your Young Child’s Behavior 
• Components of Good Communication
• Disciplining Older Children
• Where We Stand: Spanking