New study indicates spanking can lower child’s IQ

A new study by the University of New Hampshire suggests spanking children could make them less intelligent.

Over four years researchers monitored the IQ levels of 1,500 children. They found that all the children got smarter but those you were spanked had slightly lower IQs.

Researchers found that for children two to four years old there was a five-point difference and for children five to nine years old there was a difference of just under three points.

Dr. Susan Tinsley Li, a Pacific University professor of psychology, said for years research has shown “parenting that is very harsh, that’s inconsistent, that’s unresponsive to a child’s needs really affects their social and emotional adjustment.”

What’s new in the research is how spanking impacts cognitive functioning and problem-solving skills of children.

“Obviously, you’re never going to notice that just talking to the child, but what we might see is a characteristic pattern or way of responding to the world when they first start out in kindergarten. They’re willingness to explore, to take risks. A fear of punishment might prevent them from making mistakes.”

Parents have differing opinions on whether to spank their children.

“I think I’m against spanking, mainly because there are other ways to get their attention and especially at this age, I don’t think it does the job. I think the best way to discipline them now is to ignore bad behavior or give them a time out,” said parent Nadya Megy about her toddler.

Another parent David Platt said, “There are enough other options, nonviolent options, that you can use to discipline a child that seem effective.”

Parent Kristen DeLaCruz said on rare occasions her kids need a little “jolt” to keep them in line.

“I hate to say it, but I do spank sometimes,” she said. “Sometimes they’re being difficult and putting themselves in harm’s way, like if they were to run out in the street, I probably would spank them. If they unbuckle their seatbelt while the car is moving, I might spank because those are dangerous situations.”

DeLaCruz said she knows she’s in the minority in the Portland area.

“I think it’s hard to say that you spank because most people nowadays don’t agree with it.” But she said, “It’s been going on for thousands of years and my kids seem to be fine, and they’re fairly well-behaved. I’ve seen some kids who come from non-spanking families who are not as well-behaved.”

Dr. Tinsley said occasional spanking - not done in anger - will likely not keep a child out of college.

The New Hampshire study controlled things like education levels of the parents and income. Child development experts said it’s important to remember there’s always a range with IQ levels and five-point swings are common.

They said the time to worry is when there’s a 15 to 25-point difference.