Countries wanting to reduce violence could take a leaf from New Zealand's book.

New research out of Canada suggests youth violence is less likely to occur in countries with a full smacking ban.

New Zealand's controversial anti-smacking law was implemented 11 years ago, the public was deeply divided on the issue at the time.

Lead researcher Frank Elgar told Kate Hawkesby New Zealand can now be held up as an exemplar.

"Changing the law is definitely needed and here in Canada we have been very interested in the New Zealand experience with that."

He said it's not the be all and end all to violence but it is a huge part of it.

"It's just one approach that is needed to change behaviour and protect children, it comes also with education and public discussion."

Canada has partially banned smacking but Elgar says it needs to be a full ban.

"There is a sizable group of countries that have banned corporal punishment in schools long ago and in most other settings, but have made these arbitrary exceptions for some jurisdictions within the country, or for parents at home, or even the age range or sorts of hits that can be made," he said. 

LISTEN ABOVE AS FRANK ELGAR SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY