One in four parents in Russia admit to hitting their children, according to research published by the ‘Public opinion Fund’. While 10 per cent regret using corporal punishment, 14 per cent believe it’s the best way to discipline kids.

The findings of the study, reported in Rossiyskaya Gazeta, reveal that half of those who spank their kids were themselves chastised by their parents.

To smack or not to smack? It’s a question the parents of obedient children don’t have to face. But, for example, what do you do with a naughty 8-year-old boy who bites a girl from his class during a lesson? In such situations, many parents admit to losing their temper.

What behaviour, according to Russian parents, is most likely to earn a kid a spanking? According to researchers, it's “disobedience”.  Others say smacking should only be used as a last resort. But rudeness, cynical behaviour, insulting adults, cheating, theft, smoking, taking drugs and drinking alcohol are also mentioned as legitimate reasons for hitting a child.

More than half of Russians believe that smacking takes place in households across the country and is an accepted part of child-rearing. 

Only two per cent think that Russia’s worshipping parents never hit their beloved kids.

Many of those involved in the survey say it’s unacceptable to beat kids hard or to leave marks or bruises. A lot said it was unacceptable to use a stick or other implement on a child.

However, only two per cent said adults must never chastise their children.