But those on the receiving end - children themselves - are rarely asked for their opinions. So it is great to see that Save the Children Scotland has surveyed children (see News, page 4) and found them overwhelmingly against smacking. The children's thoughtful and heartfelt comments reveal just how distressing and confusing they find being hit by their parents.
This willingness or unwillingness to listen to children has interesting parallels with the current policy decisions around the UK about whether to have a children's commissioner (see Special report, pages 12-13). Wales has one, Scotland and Northern Ireland soon will, but England has no plans for such a position.
We look at how children's commissioners are working elsewhere in Europe too. There's undoubtably a debate to be had about how effective commissioners are, but they are a step forward in getting children's voices heard.
