Physical punishment of children
Summary of findings

914 adults aged 16 and over in England and Wales were interviewed from 1 - 3 February 2002 by MORI Telephone Surveys Ltd.

Question one
"If you were sure that parents would not be prosecuted for trivial smacks, would you support a law that protects children from being hit, or would you not support it?"

58 per cent said they would support law reform.

36 per cent said they wouldn't.

6 per cent didn't know.

Women were more likely to support law reform (63 percent versus 53 per cent men). Support amongst those born in the post-war years was significantly stronger: 70 per cent of 16 - 25 year olds, 71 per cent of 25 - 34 year olds and 64 per cent of 35 - 44 year olds support law reform. Support for law reform was also stronger amongst skilled workers (C1) at 64 per cent. People living in households with two or more children were more likely to support law reform - 54 per cent (no children) versus 68 per cent (two or more children).

Question two
"I'm going to read out some different ages of children. For each one I'd like you to tell me whether or not you think parents should be allowed to use physical means, such as hitting or shaking, to punish a child of that age."

BABIES AGED UNDER 18 MONTHS:
97 per cent said that parents should not be allowed to physically punish babies (should 2 per cent; don't know 1 per cent).

TODDLERS AGED UNDER THREE:
78 per cent said that parents should not be allowed to physically punish toddlers (should 20 per cent; don't know 2 per cent).

YOUNG CHILDREN UNDER SIX:
52 per cent said parents should not be allowed to physically punish young children (should 45 per cent; don't know 3 per cent).

CHILDREN AGED SIX TO TEN:
44 per cent said parents should not be allowed to use physical punishment of children aged six to ten (should 53 per cent, don't know 3 per cent).

OLDER CHILDREN UNDER 16:
59 per cent said parents should not be allowed to physically punish older children (should 38 per cent, don't know 3 per cent).

Question three
"Do you think that parents should or should not be allowed to physically punish children by hitting them with implements such as sticks, canes and belts?"

96 per cent said that parents should not be allowed to use implements to punish children. Women and young adults (16 - 24 year olds) were more likely to oppose implements (99 per cent).

Question four
"Do you think that parents should or should not be allowed to physically punish children by hitting them around the head?"

98 per cent said that parents should not be allowed to hit children around the head.