Smacking clause worries police

Police have raised concerns about the “contentious” nature of
clause 49 of the Children Bill, which concerns the physical
punishment of children.

Peter Ditchett, assistant chief constable of Nottinghamshire
police, told the conference that guidance was being sought over how
to interpret and implement the clause.

Officers are predicting a rise in complaints from children and are
looking into what constitutes an “appropriate” smack.

Ditchett said police were concerned about the challenges of dealing
with children’s complaints, and the issue of “criminalising”
parents.

Ditchett also outlined the inclusion in the police national
qualifications framework of modules on working with young people.