Jersey becomes the first place in the British Isles to outlaw the smacking of children – and the law changes on Friday
SMACKING children will be illegal in Jersey from Friday — a first in the British Isles.
The law change grants children the same rights as adults, meaning a slap or smack is treated as assault.
Jersey’s parliament, the States Assembly, approved the change last year — and last week it was given the final rubber stamp.
Sam Mézec, the Channel Island’s children’s minister, said he was delighted that Jersey would become the first place in the British Isles to “prohibit all forms of corporal punishment”.
He said: “I am proud that Jersey has taken this step and once again put children’s rights at the heart of what we do.
“Times have changed and there is no place in a modern society for the physical punishment of children.”
Under UK law parents can smack a child only if it is “reasonable punishment”.
A babysitter or nanny employed by a parent can smack only if it is “reasonable” and they have permission to do so.
It is illegal for teachers, nursery staff or child care workers to smack.
Mr Mézec said there would be an “awareness campaign” to explain the law change.
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He added: “We understand this comes at a challenging time for families so we want to let parents know they are supported.”
NSPCC Jersey said it had been calling for the change for a long time and that outlawing smacking would deliver “fairness and equality” for children.
It added: “Prioritising the safety of the island’s children and young people is needed now more than ever. It will ensure they are protected by law.”
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