idk about current policies but I was beaten several times. I don't blame my parents for it, i was a very energy rich kid, was very annoying sometimes. I would have done the same thing, but won't do it to my kids, that's for sure.
The only problem is when parents hit because they are angry, that way beating is a childish way of finding a way to calm down.
I know you people from the west will find my way of thinking not up to date with yours, but I think that discipline involves beating at a very small degree.