Izzy Lepone 30 April 2025

Social workers back smacking ban

Social workers back smacking ban image
© Media_Photos / Shutterstock.com.

Social workers and other safeguarding professionals have called for an end to the physical punishment of children in England.

According to a recent poll, a vast proportion of more than 700 safeguarding professionals believe the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill should be urgently amended to protect minors from assault.

The results of the NSPCC survey revealed 90% of social workers, 77% of healthcare staff, 75% of teachers and 51% of police strongly agree that the Bill’s ‘reasonable punishment’ clause should be removed to help end child abuse.

Furthermore, the majority of social workers and teachers who answered the survey reached a consensus that the current legal ambiguity about violence towards children undermines their safeguarding abilities.

Professor Andrew Rowland, Officer for Child Protection at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, commented: ‘The evidence is clear that physical punishment of children harms their health. The laws around physical punishment as they stand are unjust and dangerously vague. They create a grey area in which some forms of physical punishment may not be unlawful.’

Chris Sherwood, CEO at the NSPCC added: ‘Professionals are telling us that the current legal loophole makes it harder for them to assess the safety of a child. Likewise, public opinion around physical punishment is on our side, with 71% of the public thinking using physical punishment against children is not acceptable.’

‘There has never been a better time for this antiquated defence to be removed than through a Bill that is all about children’s wellbeing. Scotland and Wales have led the way to change, England must follow.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner