Can You Smack a Child? What the Law Says in the UK.
About this episode
The episode discusses the legal implications of smacking children in the UK and features insights from a criminal barrister.
Research shows that smacking a child can be physically and emotionally damaging and it’s not an effective way to discipline them. In some parts of the UK, such as Scotland and Wales, smacking a child is against the law, even if you’re just visiting. But in England and Northern Ireland, the law is different - parents can still claim a defence of ‘reasonable punishment’. In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to Amy Packham, a criminal barrister, Deputy Head of Lamb Building chambers...
People in this episode
Hosts: Alma-Constance Denis-Smith, Lucinda Acland
Guest: Amy Packham
Topics covered
- child discipline
- smacking laws
- UK law
- parenting
- emotional damage
- criminal law
Keywords
- smacking
- child discipline
- UK law
- reasonable punishment
- emotional damage
- parenting laws
Mentioned in this episode
Places: UK, Scotland, Wales, England, Northern Ireland
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