Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Act factsheet: easy read version

The law on physical punishment of children in Scotland

From 7 November 2020, all physical punishment of children is against the law.

If you want to know more detail about this change, please visit our website: https://www.gov.scot/publications/physical-punishment-and-discipline-of-children-how-the-law-is-changing/

Physical punishment can be harmful for children. It can include smacking, hitting, slapping, skelping and pinching.

This change in the law is about making things better for children.

We want Scotland to be the best place in the world for children to grow up. This change supports that.

It can sometimes be difficult to cope with being a parent or carer.

That is why we have put together some advice and tips for keeping calm when things get hard.

You can find these at https://www.parentclub.scot/sites/default/files/rewarding-relationships.pdf

If you are a parent, you are not on your own.

We all find things hard sometimes. Support is available.

If speaking to someone might help, you can talk to Children 1st Parentline on 08000 28 22 33. This is a free service.