American pop star Pink has declared that parents should be able to "beat the crap" out of their children.

The 31-year-old told celebrity news site Access Hollywood that political correctness had gone too far and her own father's beatings saved her life.

Strong views ... Pink says parents should beat their kids. Credit:Reuters

"I think parents need to beat the crap out of their kids," Pink, whose real name is Alicia Moore, said.

"I think the whole spanking thing and how it's all gotten PC is just for the birds."