"Physical punishment of children is again capturing media attention due to Conservative Party Leader Colin Craig’s recent comments regarding the re-introduction of legalised hitting of children. A public debate based on misinformation is not helpful; especially when evidence shows that acceptance of physical punishment increases the risk of child maltreatment. This information sheet corrects some of the misleading claims that are being aired and provides relevant and up-to-date national and international research as the basis for these corrections." (from the Information Sheet)