UK Government Considering Smacking Ban in England
The UK government is revisiting the idea of banning smacking in England, as confirmed by the Department for Education.
๐ด Scotland, ๐ด Wales, and ๐ฏ๐ช Jersey have already outlawed smacking through their devolved governments, making physical punishment of children illegal.
๐ While similar bills in England were previously rejected by the Conservative government, Labour ministers are now “looking carefully” into whether they can introduce the ban. The renewed interest follows a push from Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, after the tragic death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif.
๐ Dame Rachel has been vocal about banning all forms of corporal punishment, stressing that it could help prevent violence from escalating. She recently wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
โIf we are serious about keeping every child safe, itโs time England takes this necessary step.โ
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง While the Children Act 2004 made it illegal to cause bodily harm to a child, it is still legal in England and Northern Ireland for a parent or carer to use physical discipline. However, organizations like the NSPCC and Barnardoโs have long advocated for a complete ban on smacking.
๐ A YouGov poll conducted earlier this year revealed that two-thirds of English citizens are against smacking children.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ The Conservative government believed that parents should be trusted to discipline their children, but the new Labour ministers are reviewing legal changes made in Wales and Scotland as they consider possible reforms in England.
๐ The government is also supporting teachers, social workers, and safeguarding professionals to better identify signs of abuse or neglect to protect children.
Key Points:
- Smacking ban being reconsidered in England.
- Already banned in Scotland, Wales, and Jersey.
- Calls for a ban renewed by Childrenโs Commissioner after a tragic case.
- Organizations like NSPCC and Barnardoโs advocate for banning smacking.
- Labour ministers are considering legal reforms for England.
