Spanking is a type of
corporal punishment involving the act of striking the
buttocks of another person to cause physical pain, generally with an open hand (more commonly referred to in some countries as
slapping or
smacking). More severe forms of spanking, such as switching,
paddling,
belting,
caning,
whipping, and
birching, involve the use of an implement instead of a hand. Parents commonly spank
children or
adolescents in response to undesired behavior. Boys are more frequently spanked than girls, both at home and in school. Some countries have outlawed the spanking of children in every setting, including homes, schools, and
penal institutions, but most allow it when done by a parent or guardian. Adults may spank other adults as well, often in an
erotic context.
