Hodge cool on smacking ban

Wednesday, 29 September 2004 12:00 AM

The Minister for Children has said that she is not convinced that an outright ban on smacking children is desirable.

In July, Peers voted for a compromise position on smacking when they passed a Bill that would allow "mild smacking" but outlaw chastisement which causes bruises, reddening of the skin, or mental harm.

However, some Labour MPs are seeking for the Bill to be overturned when it returns to the Commons and institute an outright ban.

The Government though feels that an outright ban would be an unwarranted invasion into family life.

Speaking at a question and answer session at the Labour Party conference this morning, Patricia Hodge said that she is looking at the potential of removing the "reasonable chastisement" justification, but she questioned whether banning all smacking is the right way to go. She asked: "Do you really help children by seeking to criminalise there parents? I am not sure it is the right way forward."

She also questioned whether it would be the best use of professionals' time, and suggested it would involve "diverting professionals from the real issue of preventing abuse".

The best way forward, Ms Hodge suggested was to expand programmes like Sure Start and support parents better in bringing up their children.

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