Child protection researchers say it’s now time to ban corporal punishment, arguing recent studies show it only has detrimental effects on kids.

Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies president Daryl Higgins told Julie-anne Sprague physical punishment was tantamount to assault.

“We don’t have laws that apply to other people in relation to outlawing violence and assault applying to children in the context of discipline by their parents or carers,” Professor Daryl Higgins said.

“I think that is wrong; it’s a real shame that we don’t afford the same rights to children in Australia.”

Press PLAY to hear more on why experts say smacking should be banned