Education Secretary ‘open’ on spanking ban in England

In England and Northern Ireland, a carer or parent can discipline their child physically if it is a “reasonable” punishment, but the Children Act 2004 prohibits assault on a child causing actual or serious bodily harm.

The previous Conservative government argued that parents should be trusted to discipline their children and that there were “clear laws” to prevent violence.

The Department for Education told the BBC earlier this week it was “looking closely” at the legal changes introduced in Scotland and Wales, which came into force in 2020 and 2022 respectively, to see if more could be done in England.

Last week on X, Dame Rachel said a ban on all corporal punishment, including spanking, hitting, slapping and shaking, could stop violence escalating at a lower level.

“If we are serious about keeping every child safe, now is the time for England to take this essential step,” she said.

“Too many children have been harmed or killed at the hands of the people who should love and care for them most.”