Law to protect children comes into force

A law that gives children the same legal protection from assault as adults comes into force tomorrow.

The Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Act 2019 removes the defence of “reasonable chastisement” from the physical assault of children.

The legislation was passed by Holyrood in October 2019.

At the time the bill was introduced, the law recognised a defence known as “reasonable chastisement” where certain forms of physical punishment were used. This could be relied on by a parent, or other person looking after a child. The bill abolishes this defence.

Children's Minister Maree Todd said: “I’m very pleased that Scotland has become the first part of the UK to legislate to ensure that children, without exception, have the same protection from assault as adults. This outdated defence has no place in a modern Scotland. It can never be reasonable to strike a child."