«Breaking News» Smacking ban in Scotland divides opinion on GMB

A childcare expert and a mother-of-four went head-to-head in a heated debate over whether parents should be banned from smacking their children. 

Liat Hughes Joshi and Shona Sibary clashed on Good Morning Britain when asked whether UK-wide legislation should be introduced to stop the practice. 

It comes as Scotland is set to pass legislation that will criminalise parents who discipline their children with physical punishment.

Asked whether the rest of the UK should follow suit, journalist Shona, 46, said smacked her children growing up but said it has had 'no effect' on them in the long-term. 

Mother-of-four Shona Sibary, left, and parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi, right, clashed on Good Morning Britain (pictured) when asked whether UK-wide legislation should be introduced to ban parents smacking their children

 

The issue divided viewers on Twitter but a poll conducted by GMB revealed overwhelming opposition to the ban, with nearly 75 per cent of respondents claiming it will simply 'criminalise parents'

She added: 'They understand there is absolutely no connection between having a smack in the family home, from a loving parent, and violent abuse.' 

However Liat, a parenting expert, argued the behaviour was teaching Shona's children that it is 'okay' to be violent as part of a violent relationship. 

The issue divided viewers on Twitter but a poll conducted by GMB revealed overwhelming opposition to the ban, with nearly 75 per cent of respondents claiming it will simply 'criminalise parents'.

The debate comes after legislation aimed at banning the smacking of children in Scotland was published at Holyrood.

Liat and Shona appeared on Good Morning Britain to debate the issue of a smacking ban today

Parents in favour of a ban argued it will help protect children against abuse. Others said using physical punishment teaches children the wrong lesson when it comes to violence

Green MSP John Finnie introduced the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Bill after gaining the backing of the Scottish Government and MSPs from across all the political parties.

If passed, the legislation would remove the defence of 'justifiable assault' in Scots law, which allows parents to use physical punishment to admonish a child. 

Mr Finnie's Member's Bill is also supported by a range of organisations including the Scottish Police Federation, Barnardo's Scotland, the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland and the NSPCC.

But the move is opposed by campaign group Be Reasonable Scotland – backed by The Christian Institute and The Family Education Trust – which argues a ban will 'criminalise parents'.

Others, including those who were smacked as children, defended the technique and claimed it can be an effective form of discipline

Speaking on GMB today, Shona said: 'My children are not affected by this [smacking in childhood]. They are very robust. 

'They understand there is absolutely no conmnection between having a smack in the family home, from a loving parent, and violent abuse and to suggest there is completely and utterly absurd.'

But Liat hit back: 'Shona, you're saying it's okay. It's part of a loving relationship. If I came and slapped you, that would be a criminal offence. So why is it not okay for me to smack you, but okay for me to smack my child?'

She later added on Twitter: 'We need to ban smacking in England too. It's ineffective, sets a bad example and shows lack of control. Better ways to manage a child's behaviour.' 

Twitter users came down on both sides of the debate. A number argued a ban was a logical step at preventing abuse towards children. 

One tweeted: 'Smacking should be banned. Like everything there's always someone who takes it too far and causes injuries to the child. It's cruel.'

Others, including those who were smacked as children, defended the technique and claimed it can be an effective form of discipline. 

'Smacking children has its rightful place,' one mother tweeted. Another agreed: 'As long as you are not smacking in anger or to be a bully there is nothing wrong with it.' 

Link article

https://hienalouca.com/2018/09/07/smacking-ban-in-scotland-divides-opinion-on-gmb/
Main photo article A childcare expert and a mother-of-four went head-to-head in a heated debate over whether parents should be banned from smacking their children. 
Liat Hughes Joshi and Shona Sibary clashed on Good Morning Britain when asked whether UK-wide legislation should be introduced to stop the ...

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