Ban smacking because it has no benefit to children, top doctors urge. By RORY FLEMING. Published: 19:01 EDT, 5 March 2025 | Updated: 19:56 EDT, 5 March 2025 . e-mail; 26 shares. 225. View comments.

That was the question we posed to Toowoomba mums this week for our second week of Hey Mumma features. Christabelle Braithwaite responds to the question - to smack or not to smack? - from Hey Mumma ...

Despite Sir Keir Starmer in 2022 calling for a smacking ban in Wales to be extended throughout the UK, Bridget Phillipson said the government has ‘no plans to legislate’ to do so ...

Earlier this month leading children's doctors urged the government to consider a complete ban on smacking in England, arguing there is no evidence it has any positive effect on children's wellbeing.

Despite Sir Keir Starmer in 2022 calling for a smacking ban in Wales to be extended throughout the UK, Bridget Phillipson said the government has ‘no plans to legislate’ to do so ...

But in England and Northern Ireland, smacking your child is not illegal if it is a "reasonable" punishment and doesn't cause injuries, such as bruising. Subscribe to The Week Escape your echo chamber.

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.

"No I wouldn't (smack), I think it's wrong. I grew up in foster care because of an abusive family and I wouldn't put that experience on another child," she said.

Calls to ban smacking and other forms of physical punishment against children in England have failed to receive government support. Earlier this month leading children's doctors urged the government ...