The law on smacking children
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This page explains the law on smacking and physically disciplining children. It explains when this would amount to an offence and the possible defences to this.
What is the law on smacking children?
It is unlawful for a parent or carer to smack their child, except where this amounts to ‘reasonable punishment’. This defence is laid down in Section 58 Children Act 2004, but it is not defined in this legislation.
Whether a ‘smack’ amounts to reasonable punishment will depend on the circumstance...
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