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In January 2020, the Senedd passed the Welsh Government’s Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020 (“the Act”) to help protect children’s rights and give all children in Wales the best start in life.  

The overarching objective of this law is to protect children’s rights by prohibiting physical punishment of children. This gives children the same protection from assault as adults.  

To support practitioners in understanding and applying the new law, Welsh Government and Children in Wales have developed an e-learning resource to support practitioners that work with and support families and children, to develop their knowledge and understanding of the law in relation to prohibiting the physical punishment of children in Wales.  

The e-learning resource covers: 

  • Understanding the Legislation - The Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020; 
  • The role and responsibilities of practitioners working with children;  
  • Understanding parental concerns and pressures; 
  • Explaining and responding to children and young people; and 
  • Where to access further information, guidance and resources. 

Repository - Hwb (gov.wales) 

Guidance and resources to support practitioners to embed awareness and cascade relevant, positive, and empowering information to children and young people about the law has also been developed. 

Ending Physical Punishment in Wales: communication guidance | GOV.WALES