Smackbanwelcome but caution needed

The Scottish Government is ready to bring an end to the debate over parents smacking their children by banning a practice which some see as abhorrent and others consider a vital piece of the parental toolkit.

As it stands, physical chastisement is allowed under the oxymoronic-sounding defence of “justifiable assault.”

The parent or carer must be able to demonstrate it was “a physical punishment carried out in exercise of a parental right derived from having charge or care of the child.”

Shaking, striking the head or the archaic use of implements such as belts or slippers is already banned.

Loss of temper with an unruly charge is also no excuse for lashing out.

With such hoops to jump through to prove innocence, it seems common sense that a less violent approach to chastisement is pursued, regardless of one’s views of corporal punishment.

The UK is one of only five EU countries yet to ban smacking and is flying in the face of United Nations advice. The argument for change is becoming irresistible. However, Professor Stuart Waiton makes a valid point when he rejects a “one-size-fits-all” approach to child assault.

A smack on the bottom to control a child in a busy supermarket is not the same as some of the violent acts heaped on youngsters by abusers and any legislation introduced must reflect that.