If the application for a judicial review is successful, the Governmentmay have to reconsider allowing children to be smacked by theirparents.
Legislation is to be introduced to bring Northern Ireland into line withthe law in England and Wales, which gives parents the right to"reasonably chastise" their children.
A spokesman for interim commissioner Barney McNeany said he hoped theGovernment would be forced to reconsider views on reasonablechastisement set out in its consultation.
All four of the UK children's commissioners have condemned reasonablechastisement as inhibiting child protection and non-violent approachesto discipline.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland has yet to find a permanent children'scommissioner following the death of Nigel Williams in March (ChildrenNow, 5-11 April).
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
