The NSPCC has published a news story on physical punishment which calls for equal protection from physical abuse for children. Findings from a YouGov poll of 3,559 adults in England show: 60% think physical punishment has a negative impact on a child’s mental health; and 55% think physical punishment weakens the relationship between parent and child. Childline data also shows that in 2023/24, Childline delivered 717 counselling sessions to children with concerns about physical punishment.
A new Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) report, “Equal protection from assault in England and Northern Ireland,” also sets out the case for the legislative change to remove the “reasonable punishment” defence and to prohibit all physical punishment of children.1 Changing the law around physical punishment could help protect children against abuse and could protect and promote their health, wellbeing, and early development.