Is spanking a good way to punishing children?

Spanking is almost always the wrong way to punish children. The same is true for yelling and screaming. Once this pattern is established, you find yourself on a merry-go-round and you cannot get off. You and the child are frustrated. It usually ends up being child abuse.

There are much more effective ways to discipline children. Establish rules and guidelines. Let them know there are consequenses for their actions.
Be consistent. Don't confuse them with mixed signals.

Lastly, let the punishment be age appropriate. A three year old may only need 3 minutes on time out versus an 8 year old needing 8 minutes on time-out.

You cannot say spanking is good or bad....it depends on the child....some children behave like brats, & we need to make them understand how to behave. if everyother way closes, a good spanking may teach him. one of these days i met such a boy travelling in the train, who was a real nuiscance to all fellow passengers. The mother didn't punish him. we all felt like spanking both mother & the son...hehe

No. It is done out of anger,not to discipline. Think about it. When is a child spanked? When they do something wrong, and you think, oh I better spank them quick so they learn not to do that. No. Its done when the spanker has had enough, and can't take it anymore. "Get over here now!" Its gone from teaching a lesson, to revenge. Lessons are things to be taught at the end of a belt. Lessons are to be taught all day long. Talking and explaining. Patience. Spanking just teaches children to not get caught.