Jersey Deputy calls for child smacking ban

A Jersey Deputy is calling for a ban on smacking and has lodged a proposition for the States to debate it in the new year.

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat says 53 countries now ban the controversial form of discipline and she thinks Jersey should follow suit.

The States will debate whether to remove article 79 of the Children Law 2002, which gives a defence to a parent or guardian for smacking a child.

Last year the UK child protection charity the NSPCC said it wanted the controversial act to be made illegal in the Channel Islands following the Scottish government's plan to ban the physical punishment of children.

The Deputy for St Helier No.3 does not believe smacking has a benefit or is good for the child and thinks parents should resolve behavioural issues in a different way.

Jersey's Children's Minister has shown his support for the amendment and says it will protect the rights of young people in the island.