[user104658]

Originally Posted by Alf

A smacked arse will make a child cry, but it doesn't physically hurt them that much (they'll hurt themselves much more playing with their friends and laugh about it) The reason they cry is because they realise they've done wrong and let down the people who love and care for them, and that makes them think twice about doing it again.

If that was the case then why wouldn't talking to them have exactly the same effect . Or is it just quicker / easier to throw a hand at them than have a serious chat? Unless we're talking about kids who aren't even old enough to talk? In which case there's really no excuse AT ALL for using violence.