Scotland makes smacking children illegal - but Twitter is still divided

The Scottish government has declared that smacking children is now illegal.

According to BBC News, previously the physical punishment of people under the age of 16 by carers and guardians was permitted if it was considered "reasonable chastisement."

But as of today, the so-called "justifiable assault" defense is no longer valid, and the striking of underage people is now a criminal act.

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The law considers any hitting such as smacking, slapping, and striking by hand or with an implement to be physical assault, as well as kicking, shaking or throwing children, scratching, pinching, biting, pulling hair or boxing ears, forcing children to stay in uncomfortable positions, burning scalding or forced ingestion.

The law was passed in Scotland back in January of 2020 but has not come into effect until today, after being introduced to the Scottish Parliament by former police officer and Green Party MSP John Finnie.

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Commenting on the new legislation in an official statement granted to BBC news, Joanna Bartlett  -spokesperson for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children - said:

"This law sets out in clear terms that physical punishment should no longer be part of childhood in Scotland and it marks a momentous step in making it a country where children's rights are truly recognized, respected and fulfilled."

However, the new legislation has divided social media users, with many reacting with dismay to what they perceive as unnecessary government interference in child-rearing.

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For instance, one Twitter user reacted to the change in the law by writing: "I was smacked when I was young, but not often, It taught me right from wrong, so what is going to replace this to impress these values of right and wrong to our children? [sic]"

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Another stated: "Getting my a*** smacked as a child never hurt me one bit. It made me respect my parents. Children now just run riot. I have two and we dont smack but they do get away with alot more than i did when i was the same age. [sic]"

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Meanwhile, someone else wrote: "I used to get a spank and it never did me any harm. I won’t allow any government to tell me how to raise my child."

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Another person chimed in: "Now this too? The growing state managing every aspect of an individual’s life. What is the next ruling?"

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However, others were in favor of the move. For example, another Twitter user wrote: "Completely agree with this, there is never a reason to smack a child...some adults however could do with it daily.... [sic]"

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Meanwhile, someone else added: "Good! As it should be. So if an adult annoys another adult and they get hit in return or shouted at, it’s classed legally as assault or abuse, yet hitting children with little understanding is ok? How about use gentle parenting and ensure you create respect and not fear for them. [sic]

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Another person added: "People thinking it's ok to smack/hit a child. If it's ok for you to smack your child then it's ok for someone else to smack them. The child will believe that. It's also ok for the child to smack someone else.. they weren't listening to me mum/dad and that's what you do to me. [sic]

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So, is the change in the law a great step forward for children's safety and protection? Or is it a big step backward? Let us know what you think in the comments below.