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This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament

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Closed Make it illegal for parents to smack children

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The law should be changed to remove the use of “reasonable force” when smacking children.

Smacking has been associated with increased aggression, antisocial behaviour, depressive symptoms and anxiety in children. It also carries an increased risk of escalation into more severe abuse. It already illegal in Scotland and the law is changing in wales in March. I believe that the law should be changed in England for the safety and well-being of children.

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    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 4 July 2022.