Smacking is a physical punishment. Smacking looks like it works because children stop what they're doing when they get a smack. But smacking isn't a good choice for discipline. That's because it doesn't help children learn about self-control or appropriate behaviour.

Is smacking and hitting the same thing?

Smacking is just another word for hitting.

Why is smacking wrong?

Smacking doesn't work. It may force your child to comply for a short period, but it is not an effective method of preventing the behaviour from being repeated. Long term studies have found that not only does spanking not work, it could actually cause your child to have emotional problems later in life.