The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has warned that smacking children increases the chances of them being aggressive later in life, adding that the current legislation has ‘grey areas’
Young people who experience physical punishment are almost three times more likely to develop poor mental health, doctors have warned – but do YOU think smacking children should be banned?
A report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has urged the government to follow Scotland and Wales in criminalising the physical discipline of children. Under the Children Act 2004, it’s unlawful for a parent or carer to smack their child, except when it’s considered ‘reasonable punishment’.
Officer for child protection Prof Andrew Rowland explained that the current law creates “grey areas” around physical punishment. He continued: “Changing the laws in England and Northern Ireland will give us absolute clarity and ensure there are no instances where it is acceptable or lawful to smack a child.
“Research and history show us that violence is often cyclical in nature, it is up to us as adults to break that cycle for our children.” This comes as the RCPCH review found that smacking can be damaging to the behaviour, health and wellbeing of children.
It pointed out that young people who receive physical punishment are twice as likely to experience serious physical assault and abuse, and increase the chances of being aggressive later in life. These children are also three times more likely to suffer from poor mental health and have difficult family relationships.
The report highlighted that in countries where children have the same protection as adults from assault and violence – such as Germany and Romania – there has been a “tangible reduction” in the number of youngsters who report being hit at home. Child health experts have called on political parties to abolish the ‘reasonable punishment’ defence in their manifestos ahead of the general election, stating that children deserve the same rights.
Joanna Barrett, associate head of policy at the NSPCC, said: “All children deserve the same protection from assault as adults. Yet in England and Northern Ireland, children continue to be exposed to a legal loophole that can undermine their basic right to protection under the guise of ‘reasonable chastisement’.
“That’s why we’re calling on political leaders in England and Northern Ireland to commit to bringing an end to the physical punishment of children – as the rest of the UK have successfully done.” There are currently no plans to change the law on smacking children in England, but the government will review the impact of legislation in Scotland and Wales.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Any form of violence towards a child is completely unacceptable and we have clear laws in place to prevent it.” They added: “We are supporting teachers, social workers and all safeguarding professionals to spot the signs of abuse or neglect more quickly.
“Our statutory framework for safeguarding children in England makes clear what organisations should do to keep children safe.” Following the latest report, we want to know if YOU think smacking children should be banned. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
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