The Scottish Government have announced plans to ban smacking. This means they will become the first part of the UK to outlaw any physical punishment towards children. This is all because of a bill launched by the Green MSP John Finnie, which the SNP have decided to back. Currently, parents can smack their children, claiming 'justifiable assault' (known as 'reasonable chastisement' in the England, Wales and Northern Ireland). It will soon be a thing of the past. Wales also consulting on the issue, showing the spread of opposition. While I am totally against smacking, this intrusive law enforcement really scares me.
Let me emphasise this point: I am against smacking as a form of discipline. I have never been smacked and would never smack children I may or may not have in the future. In my opinion, smacking results in more harm than benefit. The child is hurt, their fear of the parent is increased, they become withdrawn, the child believes hitting other people is fine, because of the way they have been raised. Having to physically shock your child into behaving represents a lack of control, an inability to verbally express condemnation at poor behaviour. However, why should a total ban on smacking be enforced just because I detest it? My main form of opposition is the decision over who should discipline children. Should it be up to the parents, who know their children well and have knowledge of what works? Or should it be left to the state, which, granted, can do good, but is very general and centralized? Personally, I think issues over discipline should be left at the discretion of parents. They will make mistakes, as we all do, but generally know what methods they prefer. Imposing a state of discipline from Whitehall, overly invading the home is nothing but authoritarianism. What's next to be outlawed? Buy a child a present on their sibling's birthday. Don't shout at children ever. Community service for giving your child sugary drinks! Parent this way. Or else. It is totally right that punishment that leaves a mark, or causes bruising, swelling, cuts, grazes or scratches can result in criminal charge. There is a fine line between smacking and genuine child abuse. All of us would be totally outraged at such a crime and everything must be done to prevent such atrocities. How will the ban be policed? If the smack leaves no mark, unless the child tells a teacher, how would the authorities find out? A parent could be in a rage of anger and smack their child, instantly regretting it, having never committed such a crime before. Will they go to prison? The details around the law enforcement are so unclear; it appears anyone could be at risk. That doesn't mean the state can't have a role. Sure Start centres, introduced by Labour, were excellent for child development, promoting a community spirit where those who needed help could get it, free from embarrassment. They worked, increasing positive child behaviour through praise and incentives, setting clear expectations with consistent, gentle consequences for poor behaviour. This is exactly what the most vulnerable families need: help and advice. Nothing enforced, but local services easily available. Sadly, in the coalition and conservative government era, more than 400 Sure Start centres have shut, funding cut by a third. What a waste of potential. Everyone wants what is best for children. It's in all our interests for the next generation, whatever they may be called, to have a smooth, enjoyable childhood, giving them the best possible chance to flourish as adults. However, the solution to ensuring this happens isn't government enforced discipline. Services should be there to advise, to assist with parenting, should it be required. That is very different to enforcing the way parents must behave. I hope I will always remain opposed to smacking. If I ever become a parent, my view may change. I also hope to support the rights of parents to choose how they bring up their child. I fear, if this is abolished, bit by bit, we could see a lot of good, decent people languishing behind bars.
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