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Spare the rod - or else!
Smacking ban
from: C4 NEWS, UK
05.04.03
The pressure to spare the rod heightened today when the government unveiled new rules banning childminders from smacking children - even with parents' permission.
Parents who still believe in a short sharp shock will still be able to smack with impunity - despite pressure from the UN and child welfare groups.
Today's changes - brought in after a concerted campaign by child charities - bring childminders into line with nursery staff and teachers.
The new ban will come into effect in the autumn - stopping England's 70,000 or so registered childminders from hitting kids under eight in their care - and from smoking in front of them too.
Wales has already banned the practice. The Scottish Executive has tried - and failed - to ban the smacking of children under three. Ministers say today's move closes a loophole in the law. Smacking is already banned in eight European countries.
But the UN wants Britain to go further - and extend the ban to parents. That would put Tony Blair in a difficult position. He's admitted to smacking his own kids in the past - as has the Archbishop of Canterbury. Child charities though welcomed the childminder ban as a good first step.
The only criticism today came from pro-family groups, who said the new laws undermined parents, and stopped them from raising children according to their own views.
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My comment:
The more disciplinary options are reduced - the less discipline there is.
Your thoughts and feelings?
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