Menu
12/09/2006
Smacking laws in Northern Ireland under judicial review
An attempt to force the government to make smacking children illegal in Northern Ireland has gone through the first stage of judicial review in the High Court.
Leave was granted for a judicial review of new laws which make it illegal for a parent/guardian to hit a child only if it results in lasting harm or marks.
The case was brought by Barry McNeany, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People who believes that the Government is failing in its responsibility to protect the children of Northern Ireland.
Colin Reid, policy advisor for the NSPCC stated: "The new legislation does not go far enough to protect children and we would support a call for an outright ban on physical punishment. If we are to fully protect children, we must develop a culture where they are treated equally to adults in respect of the law. Of course children need discipline, but there are ways that do not involve physical punishment which aim to promote positive parenting. Parents must be offered education and a much more extensive range of support to develop their skills in finding alternative ways to discipline children."
NICCY would like to see it made illegal for a parent to strike their child in any circumstances. The Commissioner is particularly interested in helping protect young children and babies, who cannot speak out on their own behalf.
The judicial review is being supported by the Children's Law Centre, the Parents Advice Centre and the Save the Children Fund.
They were granted leave to make written submissions to allow them to intervene during the hearing which has been adjourned until November 24.
(DS)
Leave was granted for a judicial review of new laws which make it illegal for a parent/guardian to hit a child only if it results in lasting harm or marks.
The case was brought by Barry McNeany, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People who believes that the Government is failing in its responsibility to protect the children of Northern Ireland.
Colin Reid, policy advisor for the NSPCC stated: "The new legislation does not go far enough to protect children and we would support a call for an outright ban on physical punishment. If we are to fully protect children, we must develop a culture where they are treated equally to adults in respect of the law. Of course children need discipline, but there are ways that do not involve physical punishment which aim to promote positive parenting. Parents must be offered education and a much more extensive range of support to develop their skills in finding alternative ways to discipline children."
NICCY would like to see it made illegal for a parent to strike their child in any circumstances. The Commissioner is particularly interested in helping protect young children and babies, who cannot speak out on their own behalf.
The judicial review is being supported by the Children's Law Centre, the Parents Advice Centre and the Save the Children Fund.
They were granted leave to make written submissions to allow them to intervene during the hearing which has been adjourned until November 24.
(DS)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2003
More action needed for cross-border child protection
A report on a North/South Conference on Child Protection has called for more action to be taken. Held last September, the conference gave local professionals a chance to discuss recommendations for a common approach to all child protection systems between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
More action needed for cross-border child protection
A report on a North/South Conference on Child Protection has called for more action to be taken. Held last September, the conference gave local professionals a chance to discuss recommendations for a common approach to all child protection systems between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
19 February 2019
Public Consultation Launched On Child Sexual Exploitation Law
The Department of Justice has launched an eight week consultation period on proposed measures to strengthen the law in order to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
Public Consultation Launched On Child Sexual Exploitation Law
The Department of Justice has launched an eight week consultation period on proposed measures to strengthen the law in order to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
22 May 2018
Over 60 Schools Lose Breakfast And Homework Club Funding
Some 63 schools across NI "no longer meet the criteria" for funding programmes for disadvantaged children. The schools will no longer receive the funding needed to run breakfast and homework clubs and pay for additional parenting supports, following a decision by the DoE.
Over 60 Schools Lose Breakfast And Homework Club Funding
Some 63 schools across NI "no longer meet the criteria" for funding programmes for disadvantaged children. The schools will no longer receive the funding needed to run breakfast and homework clubs and pay for additional parenting supports, following a decision by the DoE.
07 September 2023
PFNI Vote 'No Confidence' In PSNI Deputy Chief Constable
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) has unanimously passed a vote of 'no confidence' in the PSNI's Deputy Chief Constable, the Chief Operating Officer and the Assistant Chief Officer.
PFNI Vote 'No Confidence' In PSNI Deputy Chief Constable
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) has unanimously passed a vote of 'no confidence' in the PSNI's Deputy Chief Constable, the Chief Operating Officer and the Assistant Chief Officer.
06 September 2006
NICCY challenges law to end physical assault of children
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People has this week applied for a Judicial Review on a proposed new legislation about the physical punishment of children - Article 2 of the Law Reform Order 2006.
NICCY challenges law to end physical assault of children
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People has this week applied for a Judicial Review on a proposed new legislation about the physical punishment of children - Article 2 of the Law Reform Order 2006.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
