For some parents, spanking a child who misbehaves is a common punishment. In fact, they may think that a physical type of punishment is good for children and will teach them to behave in the future. However, a leading group of child health specialists suggests that the opposite is true. These experts say that spanking is not only ineffective, it may even cause long-term harm to the child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently amended its policy on physical punishment for a child. Released in October, the academy warns that spanking a child can long-term effects. These effects include “aggression, brain changes, substance abuse and suicidal behavior in adulthood.” The report admits that not every child who is spanked will have these problems later in life. It makes this observation: “Although many children who were spanked become happy, healthy adults, current evidence suggests that spanking is not necessary and may result in long-term harm.”