Countries where smacking children is banned 'are safer to grow up in'

Research reveals that fighting between youths - particularly females - is less common where corporal punishment has been outlawed

Countries that ban the smacking of children appear to be safer for young people to grow up in, according to research revealing that fighting between youths - particularly females - is less common where corporal punishment has been outlawed.

Experts say the study adds to a growing body of evidence that punishing children by smacking, slapping or spanking them can lead to later harm. The research has led to renewed calls for policymakers to ban such practices in both schools and the home.