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This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament

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Closed Ban parents and carers physically punishing their children in England

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Children should never be hit by adults. In England, parents and carers may be able to use the defence of “reasonable chastisement” when physically punishing their children. We believe the law must be changed so that no parent or carer is ever allowed to punish their child physically.

Many studies have shown that physical punishment — including spanking, hitting and other means of causing pain — can lead to increased aggression, antisocial behaviour, physical injury and mental health problems for children.

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  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    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 1 February 2023.