IT'S been banned in schools for years, but in this country at least parents can still smack their wayward children.

Ten European countries have so far stopped parents from dishing out physical punishment to their offspring at home or in public, so should you carry on administering that swift cuff behind the ears?

Recent Government research has found the child behaviour experts agree the alternatives can be good and bad.

On the minus side are:

Humiliation

Angry, disapproving looks

Sarcasm

Swearing

These methods can make children feel awful about themselves, say experts, and can be psychologically damaging.

On the plus side are:

Explain why a different, more acceptable mode of behaviour would be a better way to deal with what's causing the upset It's exhausting, but apparently it can work

When it does work, don't forget to dish out the praise

Distraction - take 'time outs' to change the situation

Your own demeanour will provide lessons in how it is acceptable to behave

Be a 'model' authoritative figure

And if all else fails, say you'll cancel birthdays!