Smacking ban in Northern Ireland would distract from genuine abuse

Plans to ban parents in Northern Ireland from using physical discipline with their own children have been criticised as ‘costly and harmful’.

Alliance MLA Michelle Guy has proposed an amendment to a Justice Bill to criminalise parents who smack their children on the hand or bottom.

But critics say it undermines the right of parents, it would cost millions to implement, and it would distract authorities from tackling genuine cases of child abuse.