Scotland is first UK nation to ban smacking a child

♦ Smacking children is to be banned in Scotland, as it becomes the first part of the UK to outlaw the punishment.

UK ministers previously said they did not support parents using physical chastisement, but had “no plans” to bring forward legislation of their own.

However, the Scottish government confirmed yesterday that it would ensure that a Bill lodged by John Finnie, a Green MSP, would become law, with a vote expected next year.

In the rest of the UK, parents can use “reasonable chastisement”, but may face criminal charges if a child is hit hard enough to leave a mark or cause bruising. The Welsh government is also considering a ban.

Mr Finnie welcomed the Scottish government’s support and claimed there was “clear evidence that the use of physical punishment is detrimental to children’s long-term health and well-being”. It was also welcomed by NSPCC Scotland.