Scotland to ban smacking of children

Scotland is set to ban smacking and all forms of physical punishment of children.

The legislation will remove the defence of ‘justifiable assault’ in Scots law, which allows parents to use physical punishment to admonish a child.

A Scottish Government, spokeswoman said, “We believe physical punishment can have negative effects on children which can last long after the physical pain has died away.

“We support positive parenting through, for example, funding for family support services”.

SNP ministers led by Nicola Sturgeon said they will ensure that the bill brought forward by Green MSP John Finnie would become law.
Sturgeon highlighted that about 50 countries – including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Ireland – had already banned beating of children.

Scottish Labour announced earlier this week it would also support the bill as ‘the right thing to do’.
Mr Finnie said: ‘It is especially welcome that the Scottish Government has reiterated its support for my bill because there is clear evidence that the use of physical punishment is detrimental to children’s long-term health and wellbeing.

‘Giving children equal protection against assault will send a clear message to all of us about how we treat each other and underpin Scotland’s efforts to reduce violence.

‘The physical punishment of children is already illegal in 52 countries and my proposal will give children in Scotland the necessary protections to flourish in a healthy environment and encourage the building of stronger relationships between children, their parents and others who care for them.’