A recent study conducted by University College London involving 19,000 children has shed light on the long-term impact of physical discipline. The findings suggest that children who undergo physical punishment are statistically more likely to face academic challenges and exhibit risky behaviors, such as aggression or bullying, as teenagers. Experts in the UAE, while noting that this research is observational rather than definitive proof of direct causation, emphasize that the results align with psychological understanding regarding how fear impedes a child’s ability to learn. When a child is preoccupied with avoiding punishment, their focus shifts from cognitive exploration to survival and self-protection, which can disrupt essential processes like working memory, concentration, and emotional regulation.

Beyond academic performance, psychologists warn that physical discipline can inadvertently model harmful ways of managing conflict. When parents resort to hitting to correct behavior, they provide a confusing lesson that contradicts the verbal instruction to avoid aggression. Instead of learning to articulate emotions or navigate social disagreements, children may adopt force as a primary problem-solving tool. Experts stress that moving away from physical punishment does not equate to a lack of discipline; rather, it encourages parents to establish firm, consistent boundaries rooted in mutual respect. By focusing on logical consequences and positive reinforcement, caregivers can help children develop internal self-regulation and responsibility, ensuring they learn how to make sound decisions even when they are not under direct supervision.