UK Children's Commissioners Demand Ban on Smacking After Sara Sharif Murder

Children's commissioners across the UK, joined by doctors, children's charities, and a majority of frontline professionals, are calling for a complete ban on smacking children, arguing the current legal defence of 'reasonable punishment' is outdated and morally unacceptable. Scotland and Wales have already outlawed all forms of physical punishment against children, but this protection does not extend to England and Northern Ireland, where recent cases such as the murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif have intensified calls for reform. Commissioners and campaigners argue that the legal loophole contributes to child harm and creates ambiguity that complicates safeguarding efforts for social workers, teachers, and healthcare professionals. Polls show overwhelming support among these professionals for a ban, with many highlighting the negative impacts of physical punishment on child wellbeing and parent-child relationships. Medical experts stress that physical discipline harms children's health and that current laws are dangerously vague, making it harder to protect children effectively. The push for reform centers on amending the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to remove the 'reasonable punishment' defence and ensure equal protection for all children across the UK.