Child doctors are advocating for a total ban on smacking children in England, arguing that there is no evidence to support its positive impact on their wellbeing. Presently, smacking is permitted in England under the condition that it constitutes a “reasonable punishment.” The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is pushing for the removal of this legal defence through an amendment to an existing law currently moving through Parliament. Despite this, the Department for Education stated that there are no immediate plans to alter the law regarding smacking, emphasizing the government’s dedication to providing every child with a strong start in life.
Prof Andrew Rowland, RCPCH officer for child protection, emphasized the need to do away with this outdated form of discipline, labeling it as a relic from the Victorian era. The potential for the eradication of the “reasonable punishment” defence in England lies in garnering enough support from Members of Parliament for an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, introduced by Labour MP Jess Asato in January. The disparity in regulations concerning smacking children across the UK is apparent – while corporal punishment is prohibited in Scotland and Wales, the “reasonable punishment” defence remains in England and Northern Ireland.
Although Scotland and Wales have already implemented bans on corporal punishment, England has stood by its allowance for smacking children since 1860. Prof Rowland drew attention to the fact that 67 countries globally have established bans on smacking, with an additional 20 pledging to follow suit. The government acknowledged the changes seen in Scotland and Wales but stated that there are no definitive plans to enact similar legislation at the present time. The current bill has been lauded as a significant step forward in child protection, aimed at bolstering systems for safeguarding vulnerable children and improving information sharing among professionals
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