The answer to this question depends on the laws of the jurisdiction in question and the specific circumstances of the incident. In many jurisdictions, hitting a child in a manner considered abusive or excessive is illegal, even if it only happens once. The laws regarding the use of physical discipline vary by jurisdiction. They can depend on factors such as the child’s age, the severity of the physical contact, and the intent of the person administering the discipline.

In some cases, a single incident of hitting a child may not be considered abusive or illegal if it is considered a reasonable form of discipline under the circumstances. However, if the hitting results in physical harm or injury to the child, it may be considered abusive and result in criminal charges.

It’s important to note that physical discipline is controversial, and many experts recommend that parents and caregivers use alternative forms of discipline that do not involve physical punishment. If you have concerns about your own behavior or the behavior of someone else towards a child, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional or other trusted healthcare providers.