A new change in the law in Wales concerning the hitting of children could see parents receiving a jail sentence of up to five years if convicted. 

Back in 2020, Scotland banned a defence argument parents can use in relation to the physical punishment of kids. It seems Wales has followed, putting the ban in place just last month.

While Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza spoke out in support of the ban being imposed in England, others have critiqued the move on various bases. 

De Souza told Times Radio that she absolutely abhors the physical punching of young people. ‘Because children are more vulnerable than adults, I think we do need to ensure that their rights are supported.’ 

The law in England encompasses other protections for children, but if the parent only causes the child a ‘transient or trifling injury’, there is a reasonable punishment defence parents can use. However, the conviction of the parent depends on the court. 

The issue has been, suffice to say, polarising. Some people were quick to point that a light smack on thee arm from a parent is not child abuse. ‘We trust parents to discipline their children, when necessary, in the way they think is right’ some were pointing out. 

Others highlighted how it is much better to sit down and communicate with a child about their behaviour. NSPCC Head of Policy Joanna Barrett said that children are some of the most vulnerable members of our society and deserve more, not less, protection from violence than adults. 

#MaltaDaily