In early 2019, the States Assembly overwhelmingly approved an in principle move to repeal an article within the Children’s Law that allows parents to use ‘reasonable corporal punishment’.
The second stage of the law was then adopted by the Assembly in December, with a view to the changes coming into force on 1 April.
As it stands, however, the law may not come into force at the start of April. A spokesperson for the government has said the law can only be ratified following a Privy Council meeting, which is due to take place in April.
The spokesperson said: ‘The Children and Education (Amendment) (Jersey) Law was adopted by the States Assembly on 10 December 2019. This law, which will prohibit the use of corporal punishment against children in all circumstances, will come into force shortly after it has been considered by the Privy Council.
‘It is anticipated that the council will consider the law at its next meeting, in April.
‘As soon as the law is in force, the government will issue a press release to inform Islanders and an awareness campaign will also be launched to inform parents on what support is available.’
The original proposition to change the law was brought by Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, who wanted to bring Jersey in line with recommendations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Sweden became the first country to outlaw corporal punishment in 1979. Since then, a total of 53 countries have done so, and Deputy Le Hegarat’s proposal received the backing of the NSPCC.
When it was brought to the Assembly, the proposition was supported by 38 votes to three, with Senator Sarah Ferguson and Deputies Rowland Huelin and Gregory Guida being the only Members to vote against the proposal.
