04/07/2025
NI 'Out Of Step' In Child Protection Legislation
Alliance MLA Michelle Guy has voiced her concerns that Northern Ireland lags behind other regions when it comes to the legal protection of children from physical assault.
While children in Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland are afforded equal protection from assault by adults, Northern Ireland's legal framework still permits a defence of ‘reasonable chastisement' for parents or adults prosecuted for smacking a child.
Ms Guy, the Lagan Valley MLA, stated her full support for Justice Minister Naomi Long's expressed desire for a change in this law.
Referencing key research, Ms Guy said: "The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health published a report in 2024 on the impact of physical punishment on children and young people. It found the use of physical punishment has a negative impact on children's physical and mental health, as well as their social, emotional and behavioural outcomes."
The report also raised serious concerns that this legal defence complicated the process for professionals attempting to identify child abuse, potentially allowing abusers to conceal their actions. Children's rights campaigners and organisations, including the NSPCC, the Children's Commissioner, and the Children's Law Centre, have long advocated for legal reform to ensure children receive equal protection.
Ms Guy emphasised that the aim of such a change is not to criminalise parents. She pointed to neighbouring nations as examples, stating: "This isn't about criminalising parents, as is clear from our neighbouring nations, it is about ensuring the protection of children."
Expressing disappointment, Ms Guy added: "It is incredibly disappointing to hear the Justice Minister has not been able to secure agreement needed from other Executive Ministers to deliver a change in the law in that area in the Justice Bill. I believe those not giving their support should listen to the experts and reconsider."
The call for reform seeks to align Northern Ireland's child protection legislation with contemporary standards and the legal frameworks already established across other parts of the UK and Ireland.
While children in Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland are afforded equal protection from assault by adults, Northern Ireland's legal framework still permits a defence of ‘reasonable chastisement' for parents or adults prosecuted for smacking a child.
Ms Guy, the Lagan Valley MLA, stated her full support for Justice Minister Naomi Long's expressed desire for a change in this law.
Referencing key research, Ms Guy said: "The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health published a report in 2024 on the impact of physical punishment on children and young people. It found the use of physical punishment has a negative impact on children's physical and mental health, as well as their social, emotional and behavioural outcomes."
Ms Guy emphasised that the aim of such a change is not to criminalise parents. She pointed to neighbouring nations as examples, stating: "This isn't about criminalising parents, as is clear from our neighbouring nations, it is about ensuring the protection of children."
Expressing disappointment, Ms Guy added: "It is incredibly disappointing to hear the Justice Minister has not been able to secure agreement needed from other Executive Ministers to deliver a change in the law in that area in the Justice Bill. I believe those not giving their support should listen to the experts and reconsider."
The call for reform seeks to align Northern Ireland's child protection legislation with contemporary standards and the legal frameworks already established across other parts of the UK and Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.