Public Shaming has been around as long as society has existed. People getting placed in the Stocks and being pelted with fruit. The stoning of adulterers. The Scarlet "A", also for adulterers. In Huntington, it is still legal to beat your wife, as long as it is on the steps of the court house.

"Psychologists say that children don't respond to beatings" - Lots of People

They do respond, but not necessarily in the right ways or for the right reason. If your child harasses another child about their hair, then a spanking does nothing. If you explain to them why harassing other kids about their hair is not an acceptable behavior, that would be much more effective. Better yet, ask the child why, WITHOUT guiding or accusing, it is unacceptable behavior.

I don't think I will personally spank my children. I don't think that's the most effective parenting strategy. Every child is unique, and will require a unique brand of parenting. There simply isn't a "one size fits all" parenting solution.