A recent Leger survey has shed light on Canadian attitudes toward corporal punishment, revealing that while a slight majority finds it unacceptable, a significant portion still condones physical discipline in certain contexts. The report indicates that 53 percent of Canadians believe using physical punishment, such as spanking, to discipline children is wrong. However, 40 percent consider it appropriate at least in some situations, and roughly one-third approve of spanking or slapping a child on the hand, arm, or leg.
Generational Differences and Personal Experience
The survey found that six in 10 Canadians experienced corporal punishment as children, with older respondents more likely to have undergone such discipline. Among those aged 55 and older, 68 percent reported being physically punished in their youth. Andrew Enns, executive vice president of Leger's Central Canada operations, noted that a sizable portion of the population still finds physical discipline acceptable, likely influenced by their own upbringing. "In some respects, there's a little bit of, 'I recall when I was a child receiving corporal punishment, and I turned out OK, and therefore I'm bringing some of that mindset forward,'" Enns explained.
Acceptance Varies by Region and Gender
Acceptance of corporal punishment is notably higher among Albertans (55 percent) and men (46 percent). In contrast, Quebecers (64 percent) and women (59 percent) are more likely to consider physical discipline unacceptable. The report also revealed that Canadians who were physically punished as children are more likely to find various disciplinary actions acceptable, including yelling (51 percent), slapping (45 percent), and spanking (43 percent).
Non-Physical Discipline Widely Accepted
Non-physical disciplinary measures are broadly endorsed by Canadians. Removing privileges is accepted by 88 percent, using timeouts by 81 percent, and sending a child to their room to calm down by 78 percent. "Where there's a physical interaction, then you start to see a real drop off," Enns said, noting that even yelling at a child is considered out of line by 53 percent of Canadians.
Public Intervention and Reporting
When witnessing physical punishment in public, 18 percent of Canadians would intervene directly, and 20 percent would report the incident without active involvement. Parents are more likely to step in (21 percent), while 36 percent of respondents say they would not take action because it is none of their business, a sentiment more common among men (42 percent).
The findings underscore a continuing divide in Canadian views on child discipline, with a notable minority still endorsing physical punishment despite growing awareness of its potential harms.
