In March 2022, Wales became the first country in the U.K. Parents could be arrested and prosecuted for assault if they hit a child in their care. This legislative change has generated considerable discussion among parents and experts regarding its implications for child-rearing practices and societal norms. Angela Ferguson covered the continued discussion over the ban in BBC Wales.
The bill’s focus should be on protecting the rights of children and parents, protecting children through education and prevention, and protecting families by not making parents criminals. The ban led to an unprecedented increase in public education on appropriate child discipline. As a result, more than 6,200 instances of physical punishment came to light from just three of Wales’ four police forces. From April 2022–March 2025, police and other staff referred 365 people for out-of-court parenting support. In total, 310 of them finished the course, with 265 going on to report positive outcomes.
Mari Ellis Dunning, a 32-year-old mother from Aberystwyth, is very much on board with the ideas that motivated the ban. First, she advocates for treating her children with empathy rather than punishment. Dunning, a mother of two under-five sons, shared her passion for the issue.
“I don’t know why I would ever feel the need to physically harm a child.” – Mari Ellis Dunning
Dunning continued that she was very happy to see the smacking ban implemented in Wales. She hopes that England will one day follow suit and bring in similar legislation.
“I was delighted to see it introduced in Wales and I’m proud that we have such a great approach to tackling this problem,” Dunning remarked. “I just want to see it widely introduced. I think England should learn from Wales and potentially introduce this across the border too.”
Supporting the ban is Antonia Merola Jones, a single mother of three from Mold, Flintshire. Today she is a tireless champion for the adoption of similar measures in England. She concludes that because there’s no established benefits for physical punishment, only harmful effects, it should be avoided.
“Growing up in the 1980s, smacking was accepted but now it is very much frowned upon,” Jones noted.
Dr. Ashley Frawley from the Centre for Parenting Culture Studies at the University of Kent has weighed in on the legislation. She’s well aware, though, that most parents know the difference between a little swat and worse forms of discipline. To be under investigation for child assault is very troubling.
“Being investigated for assaulting your child is huge,” Dr. Frawley stated. “The vast majority of parents know the difference between beating a child and a light tap.”
Experts like Chris Sherwood have pointed out that the ban has changed public opinion on physical punishment and improved social services’ ability to safeguard children.
“This law is costing the taxpayer millions, diverting police from serious crime and placing unnecessary strain on social services,” Simon Calvert argued, presenting a counterpoint to those who favor the ban.
The Welsh government argues that the ban is necessary to protect children’s rights. Along with major reforms, they call for expanded efforts to promote a more educational approach among parents. Jane Hutt, Wales’ Social Justice Cabinet Secretary, expressed pride in the legislation’s introduction.
“The unequivocal evidence that physical punishment is harmful, ineffective and damages the trust and wellbeing at the heart of family relationships,” Chris Sherwood emphasized as he highlighted the potential long-term benefits of the ban.
As Wales continues to navigate this new legal landscape, parents and experts alike are engaged in ongoing discussions about the implications of banning smacking. The ongoing debate is indicative of wider cultural changes regarding the imposition of parenting techniques in the name protecting children.
