Special Issue: Moving Beyond the Spanking Debate: A Call to Action.

This article introduces a special issue that is intended to move beyond the spanking debate and cultivate innovative discussion and research that will move the child welfare field forward and in a direction that will benefit children and families. It reviews the definitions of the physical punishment of children and shares research results that demonstrate the harmful effects of spanking. It then notes following articles that address the designation of spanking as an adverse childhood event, legal bans in relation to parental beliefs and attitudes toward spanking, professionals' endorsement of spanking and preparedness to advice parents on non-physical child discipline strategies, and the effectiveness of interventions to change attitudes towards spanking. 11 references.