If you’re of a certain age, you might have grown up with some form of physical punishment. In the past, it has not been uncommon for adults to hit their kids, however, times are thankfully changing.

As of March 21 in Wales, it is now illegal to use physical punishment on children – this includes smacking, hitting, slapping, or shaking.

Photo: Unsplash/Jonathan Borba

The new change in the law has been called “historic” by the Welsh government as well as a number of different child protection services, many of whom are asking that England follow their lead. The law will apply to all in Wales, as well as visitors.

According to The Guardian, the deputy minister for social services, Julie Morgan, has campaigned for the change in law for over twenty years.

Morgan spoke out, saying, “Today is a historic moment for children and their rights in Wales as we make physically punishing children a thing of the past.”

Photo: Unspalsh/Torsten Dederichs

Surveys conducted by the Welsh government found that for the past ten years, there has been a major shift in the opinions of parents with young kids. In 2019, one survey showed that 70% of parents/guardians of young children in Wales disagreed with the possible necessity of smacking a child. This was a change from a 2018 survey which only showed 59%.

According to The Guardian, Viv Laing, the policy and public affairs manager at NSPCC Cymru Wales, stated: “In Wales, as in more than 60 countries around the world, we will no longer tolerate physical violence against children. Until now, children were the only group in our society who it was acceptable to strike in certain circumstances. We don’t allow the physical punishment of adults or animals, so it is absurd that we have for so long with children.”

Photo: Unsplash/Caleb Woods

Under the law, anyone who uses physical punishment on a child is now at risk of getting arrested and charged with assault, which could lead to a criminal record.

Moving forward, the government has stated that both the police and Crown Prosecution Service have several tests they will apply to situations in order to see if there are grounds to prosecute. At the heart of everything, of course, will be the welfare of the child.

What do you think of Wales’ historic law change? Let us know!