Nursery World - Leave smacking up to the parents

In the 1960s physical discipline, including the strap, was still commonplace in most British schools and few people would have supported a total ban on smacking. A mere 40 years down the line and parents can now be prosecuted for giving their children anything more than a gentle tap. Obviously the smacking of a child should in no way be encouraged, nor should it be tolerated, but should it be something that is legally banned?

Obviously the smacking of a child should in no way be encouraged, nor should it be tolerated, but should it be something that is legally banned?

Surely we should reserve the influence of the law for people who take pleasure from beating their children, and not good parents who snap occasionally.

Recent legislation means that parents can now face a custodial sentence if they cause their child actual bodily harm, including superficial wounds (including grazing and abrasions), minor bruising and even psychological injury. In the past parents would talk almost fondly of giving their child a 'clip around the ear'. Yet nowadays it would be seen as an infringement of a child's rights. Has Britain become obsessed with legislations and violations?

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