In the UK and in many other countries around the world, there is widespread debate around parenting and the use of physical punishment in disciplining children. Sweden was the first country to ban physical punishment in 1979. Twenty years later, this report looks at the impact of this ban, and therefore at the possible merits of similar legislation in other countries. It should be of interest to policy-makers, academics, the media, politicians, child rights and parenting organizations, and any professionals working with parents and children.