Smacking Law Upheld - 25/10/2007

The government have upheld the current smacking laws despite pressure from charities.

The current law states that smacking is permissable if it does not leave bruising, scratches or reddening of the skin.

Kevin Brennan the children's minister said there is no reason to change the law telling MPs "Smacking is becoming a less commonly used form of discipline. While many parents say they will not smack, a majority say smacking should not be banned outright."

The children's commissioner for England Sir Al Aynsley-Green said the government had missed an opportunity to protect children. He added "Children and young people should have the same right to protection under the law on common assault as that afforded to adults. There is no good reason why children can still be lawfully hit."

Sir Al Aynsley-Green said that during government consultation with children the children said that smacking was incompatible with messages from school and at home concerning respect and acceptable behaviour.

Dame Mary Marsh, chief executive of the children's charity NSPCC, said: "We do not agree with the government's view that the law is working effectively. Section 58 has not improved protection for children. We will continue to campaign for legal reform that will give children equal legal protection from assault as adults."

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