Stop all forms of physical punishment.

Rejected 14 signatures

What the petition asks

Make it illegal for anyone to harm a child physically, regardless of the reason or relationship with the child. Regard it as abuse.

When other techniques can be used to tackle bad behaviour, physical punishment is unnecessary and traumatic. It promotes fear, not respect. It can lead to more abuse in adult life from the abuser or the abused. Family members or care givers should be educated about other forms of behaviour management. Schools should also run sessions to raise awareness. Hospitals and adoption agencies could offer courses as well to new parents.

Why it was rejected

It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.

Petitions need to call on the Government or Parliament to take a specific action.

We're not sure exactly what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do. It's already illegal to assault a child. There are limited circumstances where a parent or carers is currently allowed to smack a child, you can find out more here:

https://childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/the-law-on-smacking-children/

You could start a new petition calling for a ban on smacking children, if that's what you'd like to see happen.

Timeline

12 Nov 2020	Petition opened for signatures
18 Nov 2020	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 14

Status Rejected

Rejected 18 Nov 2020

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