Yes, they can be effective. A spanking as a first punishment can immediately get a child's attention. For example, if a child is repeatedly ignoring warnings about not touching a dangerous object, a spanking might shock them into realizing the seriousness. However, it should be used sparingly.
Not always. While some first spanking punishment stories seem to show positive results in the short - term, like a child who stopped hitting their sibling after a spanking. But in the long - run, it may not be the best method. Studies have shown that positive reinforcement and consistent communication are often more effective in building good behavior patterns than relying solely on spanking.