The following information can be found along with an informational video by clicking here.
Ending physical punishment in Wales
21 March 2022 was a historic moment for children and their rights in Wales. From this day on, physically punishing children became illegal in Wales.
We want to protect children and their rights, to help give them the best start in life.
What is physical punishment?
There are lots of types of physical punishment.
It can mean smacking, hitting, slapping and shaking. But there are other types too.
It isn’t possible to give a set list of what makes up physical punishment because it can be anything where a child is punished using physical force.
Research suggests that any type of physical punishment could be harmful to children.
Yes, it applies to everyone - parents or anyone who is responsible for a child while the parents are absent.
And as with other laws, it applies to visitors to Wales too.
Physical punishment has been illegal in schools, children’s homes, local authority foster care homes and childcare settings for some time.
Anyone who physically punishes a child:
Information, advice and support is available for anyone who needs it, to help them find positive ways to manage children's behaviour and to help avoid such a situation ever happening.