Petition · past parliament · Home Office
Ban Smacking in England
Closed
236 signatures
What the petition asks
It is currently legal to smack children in England. The legal defense of Reasonable Chastisement directly contravenes a child's right to respect for human dignity and physical integrity. The harms of smacking are well established and can lead to increased aggression and mental health disorders.
The use of punishment and physical punishment has repeatedly been shown to be ineffective and results in overall worsening of behaviour, not better.
Long term studies show that people subjected to this type of abuse have a dramatically increased risk of developing mental health disorders and to develop drug and alcohol problems.
Using violence against children can cause them to develop interpersonal and relationship problems. It can also lead to bullying and many more negative outcomes.
Long term studies show that people subjected to this type of abuse have a dramatically increased risk of developing mental health disorders and to develop drug and alcohol problems.
Using violence against children can cause them to develop interpersonal and relationship problems. It can also lead to bullying and many more negative outcomes.
Timeline
| 10 Mar 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 10 Sep 2020 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
236
Status
Closed
Department
Home Office
Opened
10 Mar 2020
Closed
10 Sep 2020
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.