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Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Ban parents and carers physically punishing their children in England

Closed 38 signatures

What the petition asks

Children should never be hit by adults. In England, parents and carers may be able to use the defence of “reasonable chastisement” when physically punishing their children. We believe the law must be changed so that no parent or carer is ever allowed to punish their child physically.
Many studies have shown that physical punishment — including spanking, hitting and other means of causing pain — can lead to increased aggression, antisocial behaviour, physical injury and mental health problems for children.

Timeline

18 Jul 2022 Petition opened for signatures
1 Feb 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 38
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 18 Jul 2022
Closed 1 Feb 2023

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.