At Thirtyone:eight, our vision is for a world where children and adults can feel, and be, safe. We work to protect children, helping them to thrive in safe and supportive environments. That’s why we’ve joined the Children’s Commissioner for England, MPs and other organisations in calling for the removal of ‘reasonable punishment’ from English law. As part of this work, we have signed an open letter from the NSPCC and others to the UK government.
What is “reasonable punishment”?
The phrase “reasonable punishment” is found in common law and the Children Act 2004. It is a legal defence in England that allows parents and carers to justify physically punishing their children under certain circumstances. But the problem is that it isn’t clearly defined.
While the most serious cases of violence and abuse against children are already criminal offences, this defence leaves a grey area. Parents, carers, professionals – and children themselves – are left unsure about what level of violence is considered “acceptable”, leaving it open to interpretation. This has sadly led to the assault and abuse of children.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (which the UK has signed up to) is very clear: all physical punishment violates children’s rights to protection from violence.
We want children to be protected from assault in the same way that adults are.
Why does this matter?
Sadly, physical punishment of children is still too common in England.
- A 2021 YouGov poll found that while 8 in 10 British adults said they were physically punished as a child, 62% of parents today still use physical punishment.
- Nearly a quarter of 18–24 year olds who were physically punished reported being hit with an object, such as a stick or belt
Some parents turn to physical punishment, hoping it will encourage good behaviour. However, there is little evidence that physical punishment leads to positive developmental outcomes in children.
Instead, there is growing evidence on the strong association between physical punishment and negative health and developmental consequences for children, including an increased risk of:
- Strained parent–child relationships
- Higher risk of mental health struggles and trauma
- Emotional and behavioural challenges
- Learning and cognitive difficulties
- Coping in unhealthy ways, including normalising violence or becoming aggressive themselves
- Greater risk of physical abuse, serious assaults, and injuries
Isn’t this just a “smacking ban”?
You may have heard this described as a “smacking ban,” but that phrase can be misleading.
This proposed change isn’t about criminalising parents for a one-off light smack. Instead, it would remove the defence available to parents and carers who have been charged with assault – cases where the severity or frequency of physical punishment means children live in fear.
Won’t this lead to the criminalisation of parents trying their best?
Evidence from other countries shows that removing this defence does not increase the criminalisation of parents. Instead, it provides essential clarity that the physical assault of children is not acceptable.
What would still be allowed?
Despite what has been reported, this change would not stop parents or carers from protecting children when they are in danger. For example, using reasonable force to stop a child hurting themselves, hurting others, or to control behaviour in a crisis.
What it would stop is the use of smacking, hitting, spanking, or any kind of corporal punishment with objects such as belts, sticks, or canes.
Learning from others
Across the world, 65 countries now fully prohibit the physical punishment of children. This includes Scotland and Wales, where children already have the same protection from assault as adults. Scotland led the way in 2020, and Wales followed in 2022. We want to see children in England and Northern Ireland protected in the same way.
Supporting families through change
Of course, simply removing reasonable punishment from the law won’t bring about the cultural shift that is needed. Which is why the Children’s Commissioner for England is also calling for:
- Awareness campaigns so parents understand why this change matters.
- Support for families to adapt their approaches to discipline – sensitive to cultural contexts and tailored to different communities.
- Support for children who may have been harmed, emotionally or physically, by physical punishment.
We know that parents want the best for their children. With the right support, they can be empowered to use positive, nurturing approaches that help children flourish without fear.
Why we’re speaking up
At Thirtyone:eight, we believe children deserve nothing less than full protection from violence and harm.
Signing this open letter is one way we can stand alongside the Children’s Commissioner, MPs from across parties, and many others who share this vision. Together, we want to see the law changed so that every child in England has the same right to safety and dignity.
Read the briefing paper from the Children’s Commissioner
Read the open letter
Read our blog - A Christian Reflection on the physical punishment of children.