SCOTLAND has become the first country in the UK to ban smacking.
The new legislation gives children the same protection from assault as adults and removes the defence of “reasonable chastisement” or “justifiable assault”.
Previously this meant parents could smack their child on the body but not on the head.
Scotland is the 58th country to bring the law into force.
The Bill was brought to Holyrood by Green MSP, and former policeman, John Finnie. It was backed by his colleagues, the government, Labour and the LibDems.
However, the Tories opposed.
READ MORE: Tories slammed as 'misogynistic and pathetic' in smack ban row
Finnie said he was delighted at the “historic and courageous” decision taken by Holyrood.
“The leadership shown by MSPs will send a strong message that violence is never acceptable in any setting and that our children deserve at least the same legal protections that adults enjoy.
“Physical punishment has no place in 21st century Scotland. The international evidence tells us that it can have serious impacts on children and that it is not effective. As I have progressed this campaign over the last three years, it has become clear just how many people believed that striking a child was already outlawed.
“I am extremely proud to have brought forward the legislation that will enhance children’s rights in Scotland and believe that today we have taken a huge step toward making Scotland the best country in the world for children to grow up in.”
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