The Children’s Commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, has strongly urged ministers to ban smacking in order to keep children safe. She emphasized that bans on smacking in Scotland and Wales have shown the need for England to take similar steps. De Souza’s comments come in the wake of the trial of three relatives for the murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, who allegedly suffered abuse for two years.
While Scotland and Wales have already implemented bans on corporal punishment, parents in England and Northern Ireland can still smack their children as long as it is deemed a reasonable punishment. De Souza highlighted the importance of protecting children from harm, including violence by parents, to prevent further escalation.
The commissioner emphasized that children are more vulnerable than adults and need to be safeguarded. She pointed out that banning the defence of “reasonable chastisement” is crucial to ensure that every child’s rights are not just met but valued. De Souza’s stance is supported by various child protection organizations, such as the NSPCC, Barnardo’s, and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
According to Anna Edmundson from the NSPCC, there has been a significant increase in contacts to their helpline from adults concerned about physical punishment. The RCPCH has also highlighted the negative impact of physical punishment on children’s mental health and the increased risk of serious abuse. There have been instances where children were hit with objects like belts, spoons, or phone-charging cables due to the existing legal loophole.
Despite calls for equal protection for children and adults, some senior politicians have resisted the idea. Former Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have expressed their views on smacking, with Johnson advocating for parents to “always” get the benefit of the doubt. Foreign Secretary David Lammy also previously suggested that tightening the law in 2004 was a mistake after the 2012 riots.
De Souza’s strong advocacy for banning smacking in England reflects a growing consensus among child protection organizations about the need to prioritize children’s safety and well-being. As the conversation around smacking continues, it is essential to consider the long-term implications of physical punishment on children and work towards creating a safer environment for all children.
