Spain bans parents from smacking children

21 Dec, 2007 06:33 / Updated 16 years ago

In Spain, parents have been legally banned from smacking their children after the government voted to bring in the change.

Previously the civil code allowed parents to use “reasonable” means to discipline children, but the clause has been rewritten specifically outlawing physical punishment. Around 16 European countries have already banned smacking in schools and at home.