Campaigners Push for Total Ban on Smacking Children in England
Campaigners are pushing for a total ban on smacking children in England, citing research that links physical punishment to negative outcomes. The call comes as organizations argue that the current law, which allows for 'reasonable punishment', is open to interpretation and may enable abuse.
The 1989 Children's Act outlaws battery of children but maintains a clause for 'reasonable punishment'. However, children's organizations contend that this clause enables physical abuse. They argue that the law should be updated to reflect the harm caused by smacking, which research shows can impair physical development and increase mental health risks.
Some parents justify physical discipline by religious beliefs, but many scholars interpret sacred texts as encouraging gentle discipline. Peaceful parenting techniques, such as calm consequences, are promoted as supporting children's development and breaking cycles of punishment.
Organizations are calling for an all-out ban on smacking children, with 81% of parents surveyed by the NSPCC agreeing that hitting children is unacceptable. A 2024 report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health found that those who experienced physical punishment are more likely to use the same methods with their own children. Gentle discipline, on the other hand, leads to positive outcomes in self-regulation, self-confidence, and overall development.
