The Department for Education has confirmed that government ministers are exploring the possibility of a smacking ban for England, following the lead of Scotland, Wales and Jersey. While a similar move was rejected by the previous Conservative government, Labour ministers are purportedly ready to reconsider the option. The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has called for the ban after the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, who was hooded, burned and beaten over a two-year period. Her father, stepmother and uncle are currently on trial for her murder, which they deny.
Dame Rachel believes that ‘if we are serious about keeping every child safe, it’s time England takes this necessary step’. She also said that a ban on any type of corporal punishment could prevent lower levels of violence from escalating. Currently, it is legal for a carer or parent to physically discipline a child if it is deemed a reasonable punishment. However, the Children Act 2004 makes it illegal to assault a child causing actual or grievous bodily harm.
Barnardo’s and the NSPCC have both long advocated for banning smacking in England, and support for the move appears to be growing. A YouGov poll conducted in March 2020 revealed that two-thirds of English people believe physically disciplining a child is unacceptable. The previous government argued that parents should be trusted to discipline their children, but the Department for Education now states that any form of violence towards a child is unacceptable.
England has already introduced mandatory safeguarding frameworks for teachers, social workers and all safeguarding professionals to identify potential signs of abuse or neglect more efficiently. With fresh support from the Children’s Commissioner and polls indicating the majority of the English population back a ban, the government may be willing to reconsider the previous government’s stance on the issue.
In the meantime, campaigners are stressing the need for additional support to cope with the potential rise in reports of child abuse once such a ban is introduced. In Scotland, the number of reported incidents rose moderately when the ban was introduced, while Wales has seen a marked spike in the reporting of child abuse and neglect. Such figures are causing concern and emphasis is being placed on ensuring adequate resources are available should a change in the law regarding smacking come to pass
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