Commentary: Spare the rod, respect the child — it might be less painful for all in the long run

"The findings — that Singapore parents frequently beat and shame their kids — shouldn’t come as a surprise, since these deep-seated cultural practices are the norm in Asia.

Even so, the study is worth close attention for two reasons:

• It’s the first time local data has been collected about the prevalence of and attitudes toward physical punishment in Singapore
• The report provides further evidence for what research has long shown: Childhood beatings are not only ineffective in teaching moral values, they are also consistently associated with increased aggression, poorer emotional regulation, and lower self esteem — with these negative effects lasting well into adulthood."