Parents are being warned about the negative effects slapping can have on their children later in life.

Writing in the Irish Medical Journal, Professor Alf Nicholson from Temple Street Children's Hospital says that children who are slapped by their parents are at risk of aggression and antisocial behaviour.

He quotes research that was carried out in the US that shows a link between slapping and negative outcomes in later life including suicide attempts and drink and drug use.

He said slapping children can cause negative outcomes, even if the child is under 18 months.

Psychotherapist Joanna Fortune agreed, saying: "It's timely that we reignite this discussion and look at positive alternatives for more creative and helpful forms of discipline for children.

"Because, for me, discipline should always aim to teach the behaviour you want to see from your children rather than punish behaviour you don't want to see."

A ban on corporal punishment was introduced here in 2015, but professor Nicholson says that there are no figures as yet to say whether the legislation has actually made a difference.

He says attitudes and behaviours need to continue to change to ensure that slapping is no longer considered acceptable in this country