Physical punishment

Following strong public support for banning the most dangerous forms of punishment, it has been illegal, since October 2003, to physically punish a child by:

• hitting them on the head 
• shaking
• punishing them with a belt, cane or other implement.

To help explain the law change and promote non-physical methods of discipline, the Scottish Executive prepared the followowing information leaflet for parents.

Children, Physical Punishment and the Law: A Guide for Parents in Scotland