If only the governments of England and Northern Ireland would have the common sense to follow where Scotland and Wales have led and make it illegal to smack a child. Where smacking remains permissible for parents the rules are appallingly unclear. What does it actually mean to say ‘reasonable punishment’ is OK?
What is reasonable punishment?
Is it a whack on the bottom with a ruler? A slap across the face? A heavy hand lashing out around the head? Different parents will have different views about how to differentiate between child abuse and reasonable punishment. I’m with the doctors who have demanded that all physical punishment be banned. Clear, unequivocal – a law.
In 2024, we’ve reached a time of sensitive humanity where everyone has rights. Well, everyone apart from the smallest, weakest members of our society – children.