The ISPCC is urging parents not to resort to slapping their children as a form of punishment, despite the pressures they might be under.

According to the organisation, physical punishment is both a key human rights issue, as well as a child protection issue.

"The ISPCC totally acknowledges and appreciates the frustrations and challenges facing so many parents today, coupled with many other mounting pressures in the home, but what needs to be explored are more positive options," it said.

It pointed out that Ireland is still in breach of international human rights obligations by not introducing a ban on slapping and insisted that any society that is serious about preventing child abuse and tacking violence ‘must recognise that a ban on physical punishment is required'.

"A legal ban would serve the purpose of removing slapping as an option for parents and would steer and support parents to find alternative disciplinary methods. The government should grasp this opportunity to take steps to lay down this standard," the ISPCC said.

It insisted that children do not learn good behaviour ‘through the use of pain'.

"As parents and guardians, we need to examine the difference between discipline and punishment and our government must take a coordinated approach in facilitating this examination by offering support and education to encourage alternative non-violent forms of discipline," it added.