A new study has brought the parenting debate back into focus after researchers found that almost 20 percent of millennial and Gen Z parents still spank their children, even though fewer people support the practice now.

The study, published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health, asked over 3,700 adults about their views on spanking and parenting. It found that 18.7 percent of Gen Z parents and 22.1 percent of millennial parents said they had spanked their children. Gen X parents had the highest rate, with 45 percent saying they used spanking as discipline.

Attitudes about spanking are changing. Only 15 percent of people in the study agreed that “it is necessary to use spanking to properly raise a child.” More than 72 percent disagreed.

Researchers also found a strong link between how adults were disciplined as children and how they now raise their own kids.

“Having a history of being spanked as a child was associated with increasing odds of spanking one’s own child,” the study found.

This pattern matters because spanking was very common in older generations. The report says 55.6 percent of Canadian adults were spanked at least three times as children.

The study also raised concerns about how severe some punishments were. Of those who had been spanked, 22.6 percent said it “left a mark or a bruise or caused lasting physical pain.”

Researchers noted that both mothers and fathers often spanked, and sometimes grandparents did as well. A few people said they were spanked before they turned one, while others said it continued into their teen years.

The authors of the study said more prevention efforts are needed to reduce spanking and change how people think about physical discipline.

However, for many Christian parents, the topic of discipline is not straightforward.

Some families refer to biblical teachings about correction and discipline, while others are concerned about the emotional and physical effects of spanking on children. Parenting experts say the issue calls for wisdom, self-control, and a careful understanding of each child’s needs.

Dr. Danny Huerta, vice president of parenting and youth at the Christian ministry Focus on the Family, says that spanking “should be used as a last resort in the parenting toolbox.”

“If a parent is disciplining out of anger and pure emotion, spanking is never the right option,” Huerta said.

Huerta, a psychologist and parenting expert, said discipline should never come from frustration or a wish to embarrass a child. Instead, he believes discipline should focus on teaching, guidance, and rebuilding connection.

“A parent must be in a place of clarity and self-control to provide discipline well,” Huerta explained. “Discipline is about clear and loving guidance.”

He also thinks spanking should only be considered for younger children, especially those under age 7, and it should never cause injury or bruising.

“The psychologist emphasized that parents who spank their children should only deliver ‘a firm swat on a child’s back end, not one that causes bruising,’” the report stated.

Huerta said any physical discipline should be rare, intentional and immediately followed by reconnection and reassurance.

“Spanking needs to be extremely infrequent, self-controlled, and followed up with love and warmth,” he said.

The parenting expert gave an example of a child who keeps running into the street after being warned. In a dangerous situation like this, Huerta said a spanking could be “a clear boundary and attention-getting reminder” that might even “save that child’s life.”

Still, he emphasized that spanking is just one possible response, and it is often not the best first choice.

He encouraged parents to use different tools, such as verbal reminders, timeouts, redirection, and firm correction. He said every child responds differently, so effective parenting requires flexibility and good judgment.

“Situational parenting needs to adjust to who the child is, what the child needs, what the situation requires, and what is happening inside the parent,” Huerta said while discussing his book 7 Traits of Effective Parenting.

The new study shows that parenting habits can be passed down through generations, even as cultural attitudes shift. For many parents, it is also a reminder to think about how discipline affects a child’s behavior now and their emotional well-being in the long run.

As discussions about parenting keep changing, experts on both sides agree on one thing: children do best when discipline is combined with consistency, love, and emotional connection.