Care to define what you consider to be beating? By most definitions of the word, no. As for spanking like it or not young children don't have developed reasoning or emotional control so physical punishment is a necessary tool to let them know when they do wrong. It shouldn't be the first reaction, and it shouldn't be taken as far as causing lingering pain, but sometimes it's necessary. Personally I think that parent's refusal to give out meaningful punishment is part of why today's youth are so irresponsible and overly defiant.