Smacking ban requires careful scrutiny

Madam, – My letter relates not to the rights and wrongs of the smacking debate, but rather to the practicalities and consequences if, as is proposed, smacking is made a criminal offence.

Let us suppose that a normally good and caring parent, whilst shopping in a supermarket and under extreme stress, is prosecuted for impulsively giving their child a smack on the hand or bottom for an act of defiance that could expose them to danger.

One only has to think of the processes involved, the costs, the time, the publicity, the anguish and the shame to feel nervous about the longterm consequences for that parent and their family.

Consider also the children, especially if the child involved or their siblings are old enough to understand what is happening.

Just imagine what the child might be subjected to at school and the reaction of other parents, teachers, etc.

If found guilty, one of the consequences will be that the offending parent will have a criminal record. It appears that more than one third of Scottish males have a criminal record.

I find this an astonishing statistic that suggests our judicial system is far too ready to criminalise people.

Adding yet another offence (to the statute book) that could lead to a criminal conviction needs considerable justification.

I could find little information on the penalties for smacking children in other European countries, but in Sweden smacking a child does not normally carry a criminal penalty, unless it meets the criteria for assault.

I hope our legislators will think very carefully about what they want to achieve, and try to ensure the remedy does not cause more harm than good. Dave Trudgill. Newmill, Blairgowrie.