The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is terribly disappointed that the Scottish Executive has now signalled a retreat on this vital child protection issue (News, 19 September). Hitting any child can be emotionally and physically harmful. For some it can cause lasting damage; others it can kill. Protecting babies and toddlers, who are particularly vulnerable and should not be hit under any circumstances, would be a step forward for child protection.
Law reform to protect children from being hit is not an attack on ordinary parents - we want to support them. It is primarily educative rather than punitive, as has been proved in many other countries. Only those who administer harsh and frequent 'punishments' would have anything to fear, an outcome which NSPCC research shows would gain support from the majority of parents and the public.
Politicians, north and south of the Scottish border, must listen to this very straightforward child protection case for reform. If they do, law reform to protect children from being hit will be revived in Scotland, which would light the way for the rest of the UK.
Mary Marsh. Director and chief executive, NSPCC
