OK, I have to say something. Every single person I went to school with and every single friend I have was "paddled" or "spanked" as a child. I have two children, both were spanked as needed. NONE of these people I am still in contact with are aggressive or abusive. We spanked only when necessary, and as the children grew it became less frequent. I can't remember spanking our kids after they got around 9-10 or so. At that point they began to pay attention and LISTEN to us better. We have friends who refuse to spank and to be honest, nobody wants their kids around because they are rude pushy little jerks. Of course it's partly that they have been too lazy or ignorant to properly discipline in any way. Point is, all of us who grew up in the '50s and '60s were spanked. I have no doubt if you look at percentages from each decade, there is more physical violence and misbehavior now than ever before. And don't forget the impact of video games and other forms of "entertainment" that promote violence. It's not all due to spanking. I shouldn't need to add this, but, I'm not supporting child abuse and beating. There IS a difference.