Guest editors' introduction to special issue on corporal punishment of children in Australia.

This article examines the use of corporal punishment on children in Australia, arguing that it is both ineffective and harmful. The authors provide evidence that a significant number of young Australians have experienced corporal punishment, but note that attitudes and actions are changing, particularly among younger generations. The article also discusses the legal and human rights implications of corporal punishment and the need for legislative reform. It emphasizes the importance of education, support, and cultural change in reducing the prevalence of corporal punishment. The author of the text focuses on studying child and adolescent development, with a specific interest in how environmental factors can impact brain development and the risk of mental disorders like depression during adolescence. They approach their research from a neurobiological and psychological perspective. [Extracted from the article]