Scottish government gives backing to child smacking bill

The Scottish government has given its backing to a bill aimed at abolishing “reasonable chastisement” as a defence for common assault of a child.

A government spokesperson said it would “ensure” that the proposals in John Finnie MSP’s Equal Protection Bill “become law”.

The Law Society of Scotland also backed the bill in August, saying it would bring greater clarity in the law by eliminating any need to interpret or define ‘reasonableness’ in the context of a physical assault on a child, and provide children with the same protection under the law as adults.

A spokesperson for the Scottish government said: “We believe physical punishment can have negative effects on children which can last long after the physical pain has died away. We support positive parenting through, for example, funding for family support services.”

Mr Finnie, justice spokesperson for the Scottish Green Party, said: “It is especially welcome that the Scottish Government has reiterated its support for my bill because there is clear evidence that the use of physical punishment is detrimental to children’s long term health and wellbeing.

“Giving children equal protection against assault will send a clear message to all of us about how we treat each other and underpin Scotland’s efforts to reduce violence.

“The physical punishment of children is already illegal in 52 countries and my proposal will give children in Scotland the necessary protections to flourish in a healthy environment and encourage the building of stronger relationships between children, their parents and others who care for them.”