ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

One third of mothers still smack their kids - study

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Wed, 5 Jul 2017, 9:08AM
(Getty Images).

One third of mothers still smack their kids - study

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Wed, 5 Jul 2017, 9:08AM

Questions are being raised this morning over whether the controversial anti-smacking bill is actually working.

The University of Auckland longitudinal study Growing Up in New Zealand shows a third of mothers used smacking as a form of discipline and regularly screamed at their kids.

Research Director Dr Susan Morton told Mike Hosking the trend has been going on for a while.

"I think what we're seeing with studies like this is actually what's going on in the home. We know that the law has changed but potentially behaviour at home hasn't, and that's what's concerning."

Dr Morton said we are seeing in the home potentially what's happening in the wider society.

"And the problem is that if violence is tolerated in the wider society and then at home, children are learning that physical punishment is okay and that's something that's likey to be perpetuated to them throughout their lives."

LISTEN ABOVE AS DR SUSAN MORTON SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you