This site uses cookies. By using it, you agree to their use. To find out more, read our Privacy Policy.
Accept
Wrexham Council News
  • Biz & education
  • Council services
  • People & place
  • Events
  • Video
  • Other
  • Welsh
Reading: Ending Physical Punishment in Wales
Share
Notification Show More
Latest News
State of Caring survey 2025
State of Caring survey 2025
Other
Ageing Well event at Ty Pawb
Wrexham celebrates successful Ageing Well event (26 June)
Events People & place
wrexham library
80’s hitmaker at Wrexham Library
People & place Events
National Eisteddfod
Eisteddfod Wrecsam 2025 – getting to the Maes
Events
Waste Collections
Bin collections on Friday, July 11
Council services
Wrexham Council News
Search
  • Biz & education
  • Council services
  • People & place
  • Events
  • Video
  • Other
  • Welsh
Follow US
© 2023 Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Wrecsam
Wrexham Council News > Blog > People & place > Ending Physical Punishment in Wales
People & place

Ending Physical Punishment in Wales

Last updated: 2022/03/16 at 4:51 PM
Share
4 Min Read
Physical Punishment
SHARE

21 March 2022 is a historic moment for children and their rights in Wales. From this day on, physically punishing children will be illegal in Wales. We want to protect children and their rights, to help give them the best start in life.

Content
What is physical punishment?What does the change in law mean?Will the change in law apply to everybody in Wales? (From photo on page 1)What happens if people physically punish a child from 21 March 2022?Is it legal to use physical punishment against a child now?

Get news and info from your local council – sign-up for email bulletins.

What is physical punishment?

There are lots of types of physical punishment.

It can mean smacking, hitting, slapping and shaking. But there are other types too.

- Info -
Eisteddfod Wrecsam 2025

It isn’t possible to give a set list of what makes up physical punishment because it can be anything where a child is punished using physical force.
Research suggests that any type of physical punishment could be harmful to children.

What does the change in law mean?

  • All physical punishment will be illegal in Wales.
  • It will give children the same protection from assault as adults.
  • It will make the law clearer – easier for children, parents, professionals and the public to understand.

Will the change in law apply to everybody in Wales? (From photo on page 1)

Yes, it will apply to everyone – parents or anyone who is responsible for a child
while the parents are absent.

And as with other laws, it will apply to visitors to Wales too.

Physical punishment is already illegal in schools, children’s homes, local authority foster care homes and childcare settings.

What happens if people physically punish a child from 21 March 2022?

Anyone who physically punishes a child:

• Will be breaking the law
• Risks being arrested or charged with assault
• May get a criminal record, which is the same for any criminal offence.

Information, advice and support is available for anyone who needs it, to help them find positive ways to manage children’s behaviour and to help avoid such a situation ever happening.

Is it legal to use physical punishment against a child now?

It’s a bit of a grey area. Hitting a child is common assault. If a parent or someone with parental responsibility for a child is charged with common assault against the child, they could try to use the defence of reasonable punishment. From 21 March 2022, this defence will no longer be available in
Wales; all types of physical punishment will be illegal.

What should I do if I see a child being physically punished or if I am concerned about a child?

  • Contact your local social services department.
  • You can also call the police in an emergency, or if a child is in immediate danger.

(from bottom of page 1)For more information on ending physical punishment in Wales go to: gov.wales/EndPhysicalPunishment

For positive parenting tips and information go to: Parenting. Give it time: gov.wales/giveittime

Get our top stories by email.

SIGN UP

Share
Previous Article Carbon Reduction Schools to be invited to take part in carbon reduction workshop
Next Article Green Spaces Progress made on Green Spaces for Good

Stay connected

17k Followers Like
24.1k Followers Follow
3.3k Followers Follow
- Sign up -
Ad image

Latest news

State of Caring survey 2025
State of Caring survey 2025
Other July 10, 2025
Ageing Well event at Ty Pawb
Wrexham celebrates successful Ageing Well event (26 June)
Events People & place July 10, 2025
wrexham library
80’s hitmaker at Wrexham Library
People & place Events July 10, 2025
National Eisteddfod
Eisteddfod Wrecsam 2025 – getting to the Maes
Events July 9, 2025

You might also like

Ageing Well event at Ty Pawb
EventsPeople & place

Wrexham celebrates successful Ageing Well event (26 June)

July 10, 2025
wrexham library
People & placeEvents

80’s hitmaker at Wrexham Library

July 10, 2025
Photo showing the eisteddfod site on a bright day with clear blue skies. The huge eisteddfod letters are in he foreground with the main pavillion in the background.
EventsPeople & place

Scheme offers free Eisteddfod entry to local lower income families

July 4, 2025
trees
People & place

Vandalism of trees in Plas Madoc sparks community outrage

July 4, 2025
Wrexham County Borough Council
//

Wrexham Council News provides all the latest news from your county borough council.

Quick links

  • Customise interests
  • Reading list
  • MyUpdates
  • Contact the council
  • Privacy policy

Get our top stories…

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest news and info from Wrexham Council.

Sign up
Wrexham Council News
Follow US

© 2025 Wrexham County Borough Council

Removed from reading list

Undo
Wrexham Council News
Welcome back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?
  • Cymraeg
  • English