Some kids need to be spanked. Some don't. It's up to the parents to make that decision. I faintly remember being threatened with spanking a few times in my childhood. I do not remember it ever actually happening, but I do know that it was not an empty threat, just a last resort. My reaction always saved me: I realized at the point that spanking was mentioned that I had to back off, be contrite, and avoid the behavior in the future. It didn't always take the threat of spanking to get me to shape up, in fact it rarely did. A lot of kids, however, do not understand. (Not trying to sound like I was some perfect kid, I was plenty stubborn in my pre-teen days.) Human beings, least of all children, aren't angels or gods. Sometimes we're stupid and simplistic. Sometimes we need to feel pain to understand. It's not a light duty for a parent. But it is a duty to discern what is needed for the greatest possible good.