🚨 Big News: Protecting Kids from Physical Punishment 🚨
The NSPCC is calling for a law change in Northern Ireland to shield children from all forms of physical punishment. At present, the “reasonable chastisement” defence allows some physical discipline to be justified in court. 🌍 While nearly 70 nations, including Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland, have outlawed this defence, Northern Ireland still lags behind.
New research from the NSPCC reveals that a whopping 65% of adults in Northern Ireland back a law change, with support rising to 71% among parents, carers, and guardians. It’s clear – the majority says physical punishment has no place in modern parenting. 📊❌
The charity is pushing for this change to be included in the current Justice Bill and is advocating for better support for parents to manage kids’ behaviour positively. Caroline Cunningham from the NSPCC Northern Ireland highlights this move as crucial for keeping children safe. 💬
Dr. Julie-Ann Maney adds that physical punishment impacts children’s physical and mental health, affecting their overall wellbeing and behaviour. Without clarity in current laws, discussing children’s rights and wellbeing with families becomes challenging. 🩺
Past experiences in places with similar legal changes show that parenting support, not punishment, is the key to thriving children. It’s time to give every child legal protection from harm, just like their peers in other parts of the UK and world. 🏆
Want to see a change in law? Join the movement for equal protection and sign the NSPCC’s petition today. Let’s make every childhood free from physical harm! 🖊🛡
#ProtectChildren #EqualProtection #EndPhysicalPunishment