It is indeed puzzling that there are currently strong moves to imprison more people for longer, to use Tasers and pepper spray to subdue or to punish those who do not comply with police wishes, to exclude more from school and similar damaging practices but great squeamishness about smacking bottoms. Marks on bodies disconcert far more than internal and psychological injury of far greater consequence.
I have long been interested in why most are well behaved and have what I now understand is called `Resilience`. It seems that learning to cope with minor difficulties and disappointments, coupled with support from family and friends, is essential for growing up as a well rounded and fully functioning member of society.