[zxcmx]

It’s against the law in New Zealand for example.

You may restrain a child for their safety but the use of force for “parental correction” is treated as assault and can be prosecuted. The police are encouraged to apply discretion.

[mi100hael]

That's pretty absurd. There's a huge difference between smacking a kid's backside as punishment and actually causing physical harm.

Furthermore, huge swaths of the population have grown up with the occasional spanking and somehow managed to avoid PTSD or other emotional/mental problems.

Labeling it a "toxic masculine" practice is idiocy.

[germinalphrase]

Generally speaking, It is not illegal in the US unless you leave visible marks (e.g. bruises). Even then, it would be reported but little action would be taken unless there are additional issues with the child’s safety.

It is still common in many places for a “whooping” to be used to keep kids in line.

[mcny]

I do not support criminal prosecution for parental spanking but I consider you've already failed as a parent if you need to "whoop" a child. In another world where child welfare services have a better reputation, I might even suggest that such parents should be forcefully relieved from parental duties.