Nursery World - Scotland is taking a giant step back

Scotland has been a beacon of hope for all of us who want the law changed to give children the same protection from being hit as adults. The Scottish Executive's proposal to protect babies and toddlers was a bold step in the right direction and compared favourably with the Government's policy of inaction for England and Wales. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is terribly disappointed that the Scottish Executive has now signalled a retreat on this vital child protection issue (News, 19 September). Hitting any child can be emotionally and physically harmful. For some it can cause lasting damage; others it can kill. Protecting babies and toddlers, who are particularly vulnerable and should not be hit under any circumstances, would be a step forward for child protection.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is terribly disappointed that the Scottish Executive has now signalled a retreat on this vital child protection issue (News, 19 September). Hitting any child can be emotionally and physically harmful. For some it can cause lasting damage; others it can kill. Protecting babies and toddlers, who are particularly vulnerable and should not be hit under any circumstances, would be a step forward for child protection.

Law reform to protect children from being hit is not an attack on ordinary parents - we want to support them. It is primarily educative rather than punitive, as has been proved in many other countries. Only those who administer harsh and frequent 'punishments' would have anything to fear, an outcome which NSPCC research shows would gain support from the majority of parents and the public.

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