Parents in Wolverhampton say 'there is no need' to smack your children
There's calls on the government to ban smacking
Parents in Wolverhampton say 'there is no need' to smack children, amongst calls to get it banned by the government.
Actor Sir Michael Caine and former England footballer Alan Shearer have signed a letter sent to Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer today (14th Oct).
Why ban smacking?
They are among a host of famous faces and campaigners who have signed a letter to Sir Keir Starmer to be handed in to Downing Street on Tuesday.
Sir Michael said he is proud to be part of the call for an end to such a "damaging and harmful practice".
The signatories, including actors Natalie Dormer and Samantha Morton, argue that in England, where smacking is not completely outlawed, children currently have less protection from physical harm than adults.
Parents in Wolverhampton say...
One parent in Wolverhampton told us there are other ways parents can choose to discipline their children, which do not involve smacking:
"Sometimes their behaviour can stem from boredom and then they might start misbehaving. It is about talking to them and engaging," they said.
Another said: "Everybody is different, but I have children with additional needs so I would never consider smacking my children," they said.
Is smacking illegal anywhere else?
Wales made any type of corporal punishment, including smacking, hitting, slapping and shaking, illegal in March 2022, while Scotland introduced a similar ban in November 2020.
But according to the Children Act 2004 which applies in England, it is unlawful to hit your child, except where it is "reasonable punishment", and this is judged on a case-by-case basis.
There is also a similar defence to smacking in Northern Ireland and a change in the law there would require the agreement of the Stormont Executive.
'Be brave'
Addressing Sir Keir directly, signatories said: "Prime Minister, this is your opportunity to be brave and lead with courage and compassion.
"We ask you to stand up, alongside us, for every child's right to safety, dignity, and respect.
"It's time to end the physical punishment of children in England, for good."
'No plans to legislate'
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "While we are looking closely at the legal changes made in Wales and Scotland in relation to reasonable punishment, we have no plans to legislate at this stage.
"The landmark Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, a key part of our plan for change, represents the most transformative piece of child protection legislation in a generation.
"It includes wholesale reform of the children's social care system and better information sharing between education, health and social workers to stop vulnerable children falling through the cracks."