Nursery World - Editor’s view

The debate over the rights and wrongs of smacking children has raged on for decades, yet very little progress has been made in stopping this unacceptable practice.

At last, however, there is the prospect of significant change in Scotland, with the introduction of a member’s bill to ‘give children equal protection from assault’ by banning physical punishment by parents and others caring for children.

This should be put to the vote next year and, if passed, will make Scotland the first country in the UK to outlaw smacking.

Meanwhile, in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, children can be given ‘reasonable punishment’ providing no injuries or bruising are caused – a definition of allowable that should make everyone feel very uncomfortable.

Any attempt to ban hitting of children in most of the UK seems to provoke emotional, irrational responses in both government and public, whatever the United Nations or global and national coalitions of organisations opposed to physical punishment say.

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