Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice
Make it illegal for parents to smack children
Closed
5,234 signatures
What the petition asks
The law should be changed to remove the use of “reasonable force” when smacking children.
Smacking has been associated with increased aggression, antisocial behaviour, depressive symptoms and anxiety in children. It also carries an increased risk of escalation into more severe abuse. It already illegal in Scotland and the law is changing in wales in March. I believe that the law should be changed in England for the safety and well-being of children.
Timeline
| 4 Jan 2022 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 4 Jul 2022 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
5,234
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
4 Jan 2022
Closed
4 Jul 2022
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.