Physical punishment should never be part of any childhood — it's harmful to children and does not improve children’s behaviour.
Did you know children across the UK don't have the same protection from physical punishment? The law in England and Northern Ireland still allows physical punishment.
Currently, there’s a defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ in the law. We think it is never reasonable to cause harm to a child
The majority of people think physically punishing a child is unacceptable. Scotland and Wales have already given children the protection from harm they deserve. But children in England and Northern Ireland are being left behind.
The governments in England and Northern Ireland must change the law to make it clear that children should not experience physical punishment. They must remove the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’.
Why does the law need to change?
The defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ in England and Northern Ireland leaves a grey area. The law is not clear about what is ‘reasonable’ punishment and what is abuse. It leaves it open to interpretation which leaves children at risk of harm and makes it more difficult for professionals to keep children safe.
The Governments in England and Northern Ireland must make it clear – children should not experience any physical punishment.
A change to the law would keep children safe. It would help make sure that parents and carers who want their best for their children – to protect them from harm, keep them healthy, and give them a happy childhood – can be supported to find positive solutions. And when things do go wrong, help professionals spot abuse and step in to protect children.
Physical punishment is harmful to children – its effects are felt long after the punishment has ended.
Decades of research has shown that physical punishment can impact a child’s physical, mental and emotional health. We know that physical punishment does not improve children’s behaviour - it can make behavioural problems worse.
Right now, children have less protection from physical harm than adults.
It’s unacceptable that children, the most vulnerable members of our society, are the least protected from physical harm. Children deserve the same protection from harm as adults. Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe.
