Jersey politicians vote to outlaw smacking children

Date: 12th February 2019
Category: Equal protection from violence, Civil Rights and Freedoms, Family Environment and Alternative Care, Protection from abuse or neglect, Parental guidance, General measures of implementation, Best interests of the child

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The States of Jersey has voted to repeal a section of a law which allowed smacking by a parent if it was deemed "reasonable" making it illegal.

Jersey parents and guardians will no longer have a 'legal right' to smack their children. Jersey, along with 53 other countries, will outlaw smacking children and Scotland is expected to follow suit later this year.

The States Assembly debated for two hours on repealing Article 79 which allows 'defence of reasonable corporal punishment of a child'. Deputy Mary Le Hegarat brought the proposition which brings Jersey in line with recommendations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Read more from the State of Jersey here.