The Call to Ban Smacking in England: Protecting Children’s Wellbeing

The debate over smacking children as a form of discipline has ignited fresh calls for legal reform in England. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has joined the chorus of voices advocating for a ban on physical punishment, labeling it a "Victorian-era punishment" that "undoubtedly harms children’s health." The group argues that the outdated defense of "reasonable punishment," which allows parents to hit their children, should be scrapped to protect children from physical and emotional harm. With scientific evidence showing the detrimental effects of smacking on children’s wellbeing, the RCPCH is urging lawmaking bodies to bring England in line with the 67 countries that have already banned the practice.

The Current State of the Law and Recent Developments

In England, the legal defense of "reasonable punishment" has been in place since 1860 and was reaffirmed in the Children Act of 2004. This law permits parents or caregivers to use physical force against a child as long as it is deemed "reasonable" and does not cause injury. However, what constitutes "reasonable" is subjective and varies from case to case, leading to confusion and inconsistencies in its application. While Scotland banned smacking in 2020 and Wales followed suit in 2022, England and Northern Ireland continue to allow it. This disjointed approach has sparked demands for a unified stance across the UK to ensure all children receive equal protection from harm.

The Scientific Evidence Against Smacking

Leading medical professionals, including Professor Andrew Rowland of the RCPCH, emphasize that the scientific consensus is clear: smacking harms children. Studies show that physical punishment increases the risk of physical and emotional damage, including mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and can even lead to aggressive and anti-social behavior. Professor Rowland asserts that the evidence is "robust" and demonstrates that smacking does not benefit children in any way. Instead, it places them at a higher risk of serious harm. These findings align with global trends, as an increasing number of countries move away from physical punishment as a form of discipline.

Public Opinion and Growing Support for a Ban

Public sentiment in England increasingly favors banning smacking. A 2024 YouGov poll commissioned by the NSPCC found that 71% of respondents believe that hitting, slapping, or shaking a child is unacceptable. This shift in public opinion reflects growing awareness of the long-term consequences of physical punishment on children’s wellbeing. The NSPCC has also reported a significant rise in concerns about physical punishment, with reports tripling in the past year. Joanna Barrett of the NSPCC highlights that physical punishment can have a "detrimental impact" on children, contributing to depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues.

The Argument Against the Ban

Despite mounting evidence and public support for a ban, the debate remains contentious. The UK government has been cautious about legislating on the issue, with School Standards Minister Catherine McKinnell stating that there are no immediate plans to change the law. The government has instead chosen to wait for the results of a review into the impact of the smacking ban introduced in Wales in 2022, with findings expected by the end of 2025. McKinnell acknowledged the diversity of parental approaches to discipline and emphasized the need to consider the voices of parents, children, and other stakeholders before making any decisions.

The Broader Context: A Call for Urgent Action

The urgency of the issue was underscored by the tragic case of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, who was murdered by her father and stepmother. England’s Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, called for immediate reforms, pointing to the case as a stark reminder of the failures in the child protection system. She expressed deep concern that Sara’s father believed his actions were justified under the defense of "reasonable punishment." This case has galvanized calls for action, with campaigners arguing that the current law perpetuates harm and confusion. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the wellbeing of England’s children depends on a legal system that prioritizes their safety and protection, free from the outdated practices of the past.