In 2026, a comprehensive study from the University of Manitoba reveals that nearly 20 per cent of Gen Z and Millennial parents in Canada continue to use spanking as a disciplinary tool. This research, published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health, indicates that physical discipline remains a persistent practice despite decades of health warnings. In this article, you will learn about the current status of spanking laws in Canada, why younger generations struggle to break the cycle of physical correction, and what experts propose for the future of Canadian family law.
- One in five Gen Z and Millennial parents in Canada still reports spanking their children on the bottom.
- Section 43 of the Criminal Code remains a legal shield for parents using “reasonable force” for discipline.
- Researchers found that being spanked as a child is the strongest predictor of using the practice as a parent.
Is spanking still legal under current spanking laws in Canada?
Many Canadians are surprised to learn that physical discipline is not entirely prohibited under federal law. Section 43 of the Criminal Code provides a legal defence for parents and teachers who use force for correction. This “spanking law” has faced numerous challenges over the years but remains on the books in 2026.
The Supreme Court of Canada set specific boundaries for this practice in a landmark 2004 ruling. Parents cannot use objects like belts or rulers, and they cannot strike a child’s head. Furthermore, the law only applies to children between the ages of two and 12. Despite these restrictions, advocates argue the law is confusing and fails to protect children from physical harm.
You can find the specific legal wording regarding the use of force by way of correction in Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada. This provision continues to be the primary hurdle for those seeking a total ban on corporal punishment.
Why do younger generations continue to use physical discipline?
The study found that 18 per cent of Gen Z parents and 22 per cent of Millennial parents admit to spanking their children. While these numbers show a downward trend compared to Gen X, where 45 per cent reported using spanking, the prevalence remains significant. Researchers suggest that generational cycles play a critical role in these parenting choices.
Tracie Afifi, a professor at the University of Manitoba and Canada Research Chair, notes that history often repeats itself in the home. “Having a history of being spanked as a child was associated with increasing odds of spanking one’s own child,” the report states. Many parents rely on outdated advice passed down from their own parents or grandparents.
“All the science is against it. There are no arguments to keep the law and there is no argument to hit children,” says lead author Tracie Afifi.
Cultural and religious influences also sustain the practice within some communities. Some parents believe spanking is necessary for proper upbringing, with 15 per cent of survey respondents agreeing with that sentiment. These ingrained beliefs often override modern pediatric recommendations regarding child development and behavioural health.
What does the data say about the risks of physical discipline?
The 2024 data used for this 2026 analysis included nearly 4,000 adults across all Canadian provinces. The findings are stark: over half of all respondents were spanked at least three times during their childhood. More concerning is that nearly a quarter reported that the discipline left marks, bruises, or caused lasting physical pain.
Scientific evidence consistently links spanking to negative outcomes for children. These risks include increased aggression, mental health problems, and fractured relationships between parents and children. There is no documented research suggesting that spanking leads to better long-term behaviour or cognitive development.
Furthermore, the study highlights a phenomenon of escalation. What begins as a light tap can frequently become more aggressive as the parent seeks a more immediate reaction. This progression increases the risk of physical injury and long-term psychological trauma for the child.
How does Canada compare to international standards?
Canada currently lags behind much of the developed world regarding the protection of children from physical force. Over 70 countries have legally abolished all forms of corporal punishment. Sweden was the first to implement such a ban in 1979, and decades of data from that country show no increase in parental incarceration.
International observers often express shock that Canada still maintains a law allowing force against children. Advocates for repeal argue that Section 43 infringes on a child’s fundamental right to live free from violence. They suggest that Canada must align its domestic laws with international human rights standards to truly lead in child welfare.
What are the alternatives to physical discipline for 2026 parents?
Experts emphasize that abolishing the spanking law is not about punishing parents. Instead, the goal is to shift the culture toward positive parenting and earlier intervention for families under stress. Education plays a vital role in helping parents move away from physical force.
Effective discipline focuses on clear communication and age-appropriate consequences. Parents are encouraged to set firm expectations and explain the reasoning behind rules. When a child makes a mistake, the focus should be on learning and correction rather than physical retribution.
Investing in public parenting programs can provide families with the tools they need to manage difficult behaviours. These resources help parents understand that consequences are a natural part of life, but those consequences should never involve hitting. By focusing on healthy development, Canada can move toward a future where every child is safe from physical discipline.
