Experts are calling for renewed efforts to make slapping children a thing of the past in Ireland.
It comes after Temple Street Children's hospital paediatrician Professor Alf Nicholson warned that slapping leads to increased rates of suicide, heavy drinking and drug use in later life.
Writing in the Irish Medical Journal, he said physical punishment and harsh verbal abuse in childhood lead to antisocial behaviour in adulthood.
Slapping was banned in Ireland in 2015; however, psychotherapist Joanne Fortune said it still happens.
"It is more common than we might think it is," she said.
"I don't think it is as common as it was maybe one generation ago because I think parents are more mindful about the harmful side of slapping children.
"I think parents are more aware that it is something they shouldn't do."
Positive reinforcement
She said more work needs to be done to change attitudes among parents.
"It is timely that we re-ignite this discussion and that we look at positive alternatives for a more creative and helpful form of discipline for children," she said.
"For me, discipline should always aim to teach the behaviour you want from children rather than punish the behaviour you don't want to see."
Adverse outcomes
In his article, Professor Nicholson says the evidence that slapping results in adverse outcomes for children is "very strong indeed."
He said it has a "wholly negative effect on the parent-child relationship" and is associated with increased aggression in both pre-school and school-aged children.
It can also lead to "increased risk of mental health disorders and cognition problems and more oppositional and defiant behaviour in the child."
Healthy discipline
He said parents should use "healthy forms of discipline" including positive reinforcement of good behaviour and setting clear limits.
"Slapping is therefore not necessary, quite ineffective and has long-lasting effects," he wrote.
"Having introduced legislation back in 2015, we need to continue to change attitudes and behaviours in parents and caregivers to ensure slapping is no longer considered acceptable in this country."
With reporting from Kim Buckley
