This conference paper examines the use of physical punishment from a social sciences point of view. The author discusses five theoretical perspectives in relation to physical punishment as a framework for the discussion. The author draws on a review of research to argue that physical punishment is an ineffective and detrimental means for disciplining children. Research findings consistently show that physical punishment used as a form of family discipline has a number of negative long-term effects on children's development. Some of these effects include: antisocial behaviour, for example, aggression towards others; poorer cognitive development and lower academic achievement; poorer relationships between children and their parents and attachment issues; mental health problems, for example, depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviours; and inhibited internalisation of moral values. The author concludes that there is very little research that supports the use of physical punishment.