IT IS ESSENTIAL that the Welsh assembly government bans the smacking of children as soon as possible. 

Academics have found compelling evidence that smacking creates vicious circle of conflict that carries on into adulthood with increased childhood aggression, antisocial behaviour and delinquency. 

There was also a worrying risk of smacking escalating into physical abuse. 

Physical punishment is related to depressive symptoms and anxiety among children can lead to adult mental illness and substance abuse.
It’s a criminal offence for adults to hit each other, so why is it ok to hit children? 

(Children are not being sinful as some Christians would claim!)

A United Nations report has called on the UK to “put an end to corporal punishment in all settings” and to encourage non-violent forms of discipline instead. 

Love and reasoning works.

Terry Banfield
Cardigan Crescent
Croesyceiliog
Cwmbran