A 2019 study found that about two-thirds of parents in the United States report spanking their children at least occasionally. This number has remained relatively stable since the late 1990s, when about 70% of parents reported spanking their kids.
There are some regional and demographic differences in spanking rates. For example, parents in the South are more likely to report spanking than those in other regions of the country. And, African American parents are more likely to say they spank than white or Hispanic parents.
Generally speaking, younger parents are less likely to spank than older ones. And, parents with higher levels of education are also less likely to use this form of discipline.
While the overall rate of spanking has remained fairly stable over the years, there is evidence that attitudes towards it may be changing. A 2018 poll found that a majority of Americans believe that spanking is not an effective way to discipline kids.