Smacking Ban Proposal Sparks Debate
A recent proposal to ban smacking in England has garnered significant attention, with over 7,500 signatories, including Sir Michael Caine and Alan Shearer, urging the Government to introduce a smacking ban through an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
However, the Government has stated that it has no plans to remove the legal defence of reasonable chastisement until it reviews the impact of similar bans in Scotland and Wales.
A smacking ban would only lead to the "criminalisation of loving parents" who are engaging "in the most trivial of actions and interactions with their children", warned Be Reasonable spokesman Ciarán Kelly.
- The proposal has been met with opposition from some, who argue that it would unfairly target loving parents.
- Northern Ireland, like England, currently protects parents who use a light smack from being charged with assault.
Author's summary: Proposal to ban smacking sparks debate in England.