The research is absolutely clear that physical punishment of children carries series risk factors. We know that it can impair parent-child relationships, lead to mental health problems and child aggression.
Kids who are hit are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. These problems often continue into adulthood, leading to anti-social behavior, adult aggression and poor mental health.
More importantly, if our goal is to teach our children right from wrong and to help them to become self-disciplined, hitting them simply doesn’t work.
If they do change their behavior it is only because they are afraid of the adults and the physical or emotional pain and discomfort. When there is no supervising adult in sight, they will not control their misbehaviour.