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Nearly three years after Wales implemented a ban on smacking children, a mother of two has expressed surprise that the practice was ever legally permitted. Mari Ellis Dunning, who emphasizes approaching her children with compassion, spoke about her bewilderment regarding the legality of physical punishment. Since the ban came into effect in March 2022, a Welsh government report reveals that hundreds of parents have been directed to out-of-court parenting courses. Despite the volume of cases, fewer than five have been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, and no convictions have resulted. However, critics argue that the ban diverts police resources away from more serious crimes and places unnecessary pressure on social services.
The Welsh government review highlights that the legislation is designed to protect children’s rights through education and prevention, rather than criminalizing parents. Between April 2022 and March 2025, police referred 365 individuals to parenting support programs in lieu of prosecution. Of those referred, 310 completed the courses, with 265 reporting positive outcomes. Interestingly, data from three of Wales’s four police forces indicated 6,200 cases involving physical punishment since the ban’s implementation, an increase from 3,900 prior to the new law. Despite this rise, the report confirmed that no one in Wales has been convicted of common assault or battery on a child in their care since the ban was introduced.
Mari Ellis Dunning, who resides in Aberystwyth with her two young sons aged two and five, views physical punishment as contradictory to raising well-regulated adults. She questioned how one could teach children appropriate behavior through physical harm, stating, “I don’t know why I would ever feel the need to physically harm a child.” The law removed the previous defense of reasonable chastisement, making smacking a prosecutable offense. Wales’s Social Justice Cabinet Secretary, Jane Hutt, defended the ban, calling it “something we must be very proud of.”
Support for the ban also comes from Antonia Merola Jones, a single mother from Flintshire, who hopes the legislation could be extended to England. She praised Wales’ approach and emphasized the lack of benefits and potential risks associated with physical punishment. Antonia noted a societal shift, pointing out that while smacking was accepted in the 1980s, today it is largely disapproved of. According to the government review, positive parenting techniques are on the rise, although some professionals, such as police officers, have reported that the legislation can lead to increased workload. Despite these challenges, the cabinet secretary said the law is being successfully integrated. On the other hand, Simon Calvert of the Be Reasonable campaign criticized the ban, claiming it wastes taxpayer money and leads to intrusive investigations into otherwise loving families. Sociologist Dr. Ashley Frawley echoed concerns about the impact of investigations, explaining that being suspected of assault is a serious matter for parents, even without resulting prosecution. Conversely, NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood praised Wales’s initiative as groundbreaking, stating that it has shifted public opinion and enhanced child protection efforts while questioning why other UK nations have not followed suit
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