Government ‘Promises Smacking Ban’
By admin • Apr 1st, 2010The government has promised it will introduce a ban on the smacking of children by anyone outside of the family unit, which may ease any concerns parents previously held.
Under current laws, while it is illegal for teachers at both state and private schools to smack children, the same does not stand for tutors outside of schools, including those at evening or weekend faith educational institutes.
The change in legislation comes after recommendations made by chief adviser on child safety Sir Roger Singleton.
Commenting on the news, Claude Knights, director of the children’s charity Kidscape, said the group welcomed the news, but that parents should remember the majority of adults do not want to smack children, but some simply do not know what else to do.
She added: "Children learn aggressive behaviour from adults, so they should do all they can to prevent themselves from modelling this.
"Rules can be enforced more easily if a clear explanation of the consequences of anti-social behaviour is provided."
Ms Knights explained that smacking can teach kids that aggression and violence is acceptable and that it was important to set boundaries so they learnt what behaviour was positive.
However, Dr Sigman, a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, recently warned a growing lack of adult authority has bred a "spoilt generation" of children who believe grown-ups must earn their respect.
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