Children beaten have lower IQ

According to a groundbreaking study conducted by Professor Murray Straus from New Hampshire University, worldwide, children with beatings have a lower IQ. The results were presented at the 14th International Conference on Violence, Abuse and Injury (InternationalConference on Violence, Abuse and Trauma) on September 25 in San Francisco, California, USA.

Professor Strauss said: 'All parents want their children to be smart'.

"This study shows that they can satisfy this desire by using other penalties rather than hitting them when they want to correct them. The results of this study can help children all over the world. The world is raised with better methods'

'It's time for psychologists to realize the need to help parents stop using physical punishment in teaching and children. It is also time for the United States to begin to pay more attention to public health and focus on social welfare for children and eventually enact federal laws banning the use of child punishment. "

The association between punishment and IQ of children in the United States

Professor Straus found that, in the United States, children who are punished by beating develop IQ four years slower than those who are not fined in this form.

The higher the proportion of parents using physical penalties for minors in a country, the lower the average IQ of that country.( Photo: Murray Straus)

Professor Straus and Mallie Paschall, senior scientist from Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, have studied over 806 children from many countries between the ages of 2 and 4. age and 704 children aged 5 to 9 years. Both groups were tested for IQ after 4 years.

IQs of children aged 2 to 4 years who were not subjected to a 5-point higher penalty (or an IQ of more than 4 years) compared to other children who used this penalty. Similarly, IQ of children aged 5 to 9 years without using punishment is 2.8 points higher (or higher IQ of 4 years).

Professor Straus said: 'Frequently being beaten will create a different IQ in children. The more children are beaten, the slower the likelihood of developing intelligence. But even for children who are beaten with their IQ they are affected. '

The relationship between IQ and child punishment worldwide

Professor Straus also found that the average IQ of countries where regular punishment was lower than in other countries. His analysis shows the close relationship between physical punishment and the IQ of children whose parents continue to use physical punishment. This type of punishment affects even the youngsters

Professor Straus and his colleagues in 32 countries used data on corporal punishment provided by 17,404 college students when they were young.

According to Professor Straus, there are two ways to explain the relationship between IQ and physical punishment.

The more you get beaten, the more stressful the symptoms are, the more panic you get

First, corporal punishment creates tremendous stress and can cause a child to have chronic stress when they are punished in this form 3 or more times a week. In particular, they are punished for many years. Research shows that the stress created by physical punishment increases when the child is frightened by the terrible things that can happen and so they are startled or panicked. These symptoms are closely related to IQ.

Children in the United States who are subject to punishment are four years slower than others.(Photo: Murray Straus)

Secondly, countries with more developed economies are the basis for parents to use less physical punishment and thus explain why these countries have higher average IQs.

However, there is good news that the use of physical punishment is on a downward trend worldwide. This may cause children's IQ to increase in the future.

Professor Straus said: 'The use of physical punishment tends to decrease, reflecting the efforts of 24 countries that have officially banned the use of these penalties since 2009. Both the European Union and the US has called on other member states to prohibit parents from using strict punishment for children. Some of the 24 countries that prohibit women from using physical punishment for their children have made strong efforts to propagate to the community and help parents in controlling and educating children. The remaining countries have also made small moves to implement this ban. '

He also added : 'However, the attitude of violence and the desire to use physical punishment as well as the actual situation in which this form is being used has shown signs of decline in all countries. much effort to implement this ban. '