Opinion divided on new smacking legislation
A consultation on plans to ban smacking has found opinion is split over whether the new legislation will be effective in Wales.
The Welsh Government are continuing with plans to remove the 'reasonable punishment' defence from smacking laws. It is currently illegal for a parent or carer to smack their child, unless it amounts to 'reasonable punishment'.
Half (50.3%) agreed the rights of children in Wales will be protected under the new law.
Minister for Children Huw Irranca-Davies said removing the defence, "reinforces... long-standing commitment to children's rights."
The consultation asked 2,000 the legislation would achieve the aim of protecting children's rights, just over half of respondents agreed but 48.1% disagreed.
Around 2,000 people took part in the survey.
The Bill will be introduced between September this year and July 2019.