Nursery World - Most adults back smacking ban

More than seven in ten people support a change in the law to give children the same protection as adults from being hit in the family home, a survey for the Children are Unbeatable! Alliance has found. The MORI survey of 2,004 adults found that 74 per cent of parents, 76 per cent of young adults under 24 and 73 per cent of women are most likely to support reform. But almost three in ten (29 per cent) went further than this and said 'children should be given more legal protection from being hit than adults'.

The MORI survey of 2,004 adults found that 74 per cent of parents, 76 per cent of young adults under 24 and 73 per cent of women are most likely to support reform. But almost three in ten (29 per cent) went further than this and said 'children should be given more legal protection from being hit than adults'.

An amendment to the Children Bill currently before Parliament is seeking the removal of the 'reasonable chastisement' justification for corporal punishment, which dates back to 1860. The Alliance, which represents more than 350 organisations including the NSPCC, Barnardo's, Save the Children, NCH and the National Children's Bureau, is pressing for MPs to have 'a free conscience vote' on the amendment.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included