Most parents would confess to smacking their children at some time, though many of them regret it afterwards.
Four out of five adults were smacked when young and nearly all of them think it is an acceptable way to punish children. But can it lead to an escalation of violence by both parent and child or is it merely a sensible way of maintaining discipline? Maggie Philbin has been talking to parents about why they act as they do.
Presented by John Humphrys. Producer Elaine Thomas
Editor Anne Tyerman
• PICTURE STORY: page 65