Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has expressed an “open-minded” stance regarding the potential ban on smacking children in England, although she clarified that there are no imminent plans to change existing laws. Speaking to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday, Phillipson indicated that the government is currently “considering” the issue but emphasized that any legislative changes would not occur “any time soon.”
Her remarks come amid renewed calls for a ban from Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza, who has advocated for measures similar to those already implemented in Scotland and Wales. Both regions have enacted laws prohibiting all forms of corporal punishment, and de Souza argues that England should follow suit.
The NSPCC, a prominent children’s charity, has echoed this sentiment, urging the government to legislate against smacking “as soon as possible.” The charity cited “mounting evidence” that physical discipline can be damaging to children. NSPCC head of policy Anna Edmundson reported that calls to the charity’s helpline from concerned adults regarding the use of physical punishment have tripled recently, reinforcing the need for protective legislation.
Phillipson stated her willingness to engage with Dame Rachel and other experts to discuss how a potential ban would be implemented. She highlighted the importance of examining ways to enhance child safety, asserting that “we do need to look at how we keep children safe.” Additionally, she mentioned that the forthcoming Children’s Wellbeing Bill, expected to be introduced by the end of the year, will address many issues related to children’s care and safeguarding.
Polling data from YouGov in March 2023 revealed that two-thirds of respondents in England believe that physically disciplining a child is unacceptable. Currently, while it is legal for parents or caregivers in England and Northern Ireland to physically discipline their children if deemed a “reasonable” punishment, the Children Act 2004 prohibits any form of assault that results in actual or grievous bodily harm.
The previous Conservative government maintained that parents should be trusted to discipline their children, citing existing laws designed to prevent violence. However, the Department for Education confirmed this week that it is reviewing the legal changes made in Scotland and Wales, which came into force in 2020 and 2022, respectively, to determine possible actions for England.
Dame Rachel, in a post on X last week, argued that banning all forms of corporal punishment, including smacking, could help prevent lower-level violence from escalating. “If we are serious about keeping every child safe, it’s time England takes this necessary step,” she stated. “Too many children have been harmed or killed at the hands of the people who should love and care for them most.”
