Leading children’s doctors have made a strong case for banning smacking as a form of discipline, highlighting concerns about its potential for causing significant physical and emotional harm to children. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has branded smacking an outdated practice and called for its removal from legislation, claiming that it should be considered a relic of the Victorian era.

Professor Andrew Rowland, a consultant paediatrician and officer for child protection at the RCPCH, spoke to the PA news agency outlining the urgency for legislative change. “There is an amendment for the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that we would like to see passed, which would remove the defence of reasonable punishment,” he stated. This defence, which allows for physical punishment under the guise of reasonable discipline, has been part of English law since 1860 and was enshrined in the Children Act of 2004.

Prof Rowland contended that current scientific evidence clearly shows that physical punishment leads to various forms of harm, stating, “The best scientific evidence I’ve got is that physical punishment of children undoubtedly harms children’s health on a population basis.” He elaborated that it not only poses risks to physical health but also negatively impacts mental wellbeing. “There have been no robust scientific studies that have shown that physical punishment of children has any positive effect,” he added.

The RCPCH is advocating for the amendment to eliminate the common law defence of reasonable punishment, arguing that removing this legal provision would clarify the current status of physical punishment in England. “If it’s not now, there is a real risk that there won’t be time throughout the remainder of this Parliament to bring in the legislation that children need,” Prof Rowland warned.

Calls for such a ban have gained momentum following the tragic death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, who was murdered after enduring a period of abuse. The incident has reignited discussions around the effectiveness and safety of physical punishment as a disciplinary measure. When asked about the implications of Sara’s case, Prof Rowland noted, “What happened to Sara was absolutely horrendous… no child should suffer as Sara suffered,” while being careful not to draw premature conclusions due to ongoing inquiries into her death.

Labour MP Jess Asato, who has proposed the legislative amendment, remarked on the need for equal protection for children, stating, “Physical punishment is as outdated as it is harmful – and it’s been long since time to put an end to it.” The government is now faced with an opportunity to enact change that aligns with similar legislative shifts that have occurred in other regions, such as Scotland and Wales.

A recent poll conducted by YouGov, commissioned by NSPCC, revealed that a significant majority—71% of respondents—do not believe that smacking, hitting, slapping, or shaking a child is acceptable. Joanna Barrett from the NSPCC noted the profound impact physical punishment can have on children’s wellbeing, citing its association with issues such as depression and anti-social behaviour. She emphasised the necessity for legal reform, stating, “Legal change must happen urgently, because right now we know physical punishment remains a part of childhood for too many young people in England.”

The movement to amend the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill reflects a growing recognition among medical professionals and advocacy groups of the need to protect children from all forms of physical punishment, signalling a potential shift in societal attitudes toward parenting and child discipline within England.

Source: Noah Wire Services