Izzy Lepone 16 May 2025

Health organisations call for smacking ban

Health organisations call for smacking ban image
© FotoDuets / Shutterstock.com.

An open letter signed by 13 leading health organisations has been sent to Government demanding that the ‘reasonable’ defense of physically punishing children is abolished.

The letter urges the Government to back Baroness Finlay’s proposed amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, ensuring the law does not enable parents to justify using physical force as a means of disciplining children.

A recent poll revealed the majority of social workers consider the Bill’s ‘reasonable punishment’ clause a threat to their safeguarding abilities.

Following the Bill’s progression into the Committee Stage in the House of Lords, the 13 health organisations are now urging MPs to provide greater legislative clarity about what constitutes child abuse, emphasising the detrimental effects of physical punishment on children’s wellbeing.

RCPCH Officer for Child Protection and Consultant Paediatrician, Professor Andrew Rowland, said: ‘There is now strong agreement from health and social care professionals that the current laws around physical punishment of children, including smacking, are unjust, vague and ultimately dangerous.’

‘A child focused piece of legislation such as this is incredibly rare and should be fully embraced to ensure it delivers meaningful, lasting change’, he added.

BMA public health medicine committee deputy chair, Dr Tamasin Knight commented: ‘Given the potential for physical punishment to damage a child’s health and wellbeing, we believe that children should have full legal protection from all forms of physical punishment.’ […]

‘If we are to truly safeguard children, arguably one of the most vulnerable groups in society, it is crucial that they are given the same legal protection from physical assault as anyone else.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Wakefield Council
£32,061.00 to £34,434.00, Grade 7.
We are looking for a Full-Time Children's Residential Worker to join our team at Clarence Children's Home in Wakefield Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Community Development Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Community Development Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire / Multiple
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Telecare Responder

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 to £31,022 per annum
Could you respond to emergency calls, gain access and administer first aid if necessary? Could you assist in the provision of an equitable Countywide Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid Team

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid TeamPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Service Manager

Wakefield Council
£69,037.00, Grade 15, 37 hours, Permanent
Do you have the experience, skills, and ambition to strengthen the education offer. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner