Changing the law would bring Northern Ireland in line with 63 other countries, including Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland
NSPCC Northern Ireland has called on the political parties to get back to the table and work together to ban physical punishment of children here.
Currently, the law in Northern Ireland allows a parent or carer physically punish a child, by using a defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ if they are charged with an offence of assault. Researchers at University College of London and an international team of experts have analysed 20 years of research on the topic. Their conclusion in 2021 was that physical punishment is ineffective and harmful and has no benefits for children and their families.
Natalie Whelehan, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for NSPCC Northern Ireland, said: “We know from our research that parents and carers do not believe that physical punishment is an effective form of discipline. We also know that it can be a key risk factor for more serious physical abuse.
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