Story perspectives

Wales Smacking Ban: Mixed Reactions and Low Prosecutions

12/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

In March 2022, Wales introduced a smacking ban that has drawn mixed parental reactions, including Antonia Merola Jones (advocate).
Mari Ellis Dunning (parent) expresses confusion about the law, and advocates compassionate parenting.
Since the ban, fewer than five cases have been prosecuted, and 365 parents were referred to out-of-court courses.
Simon Calvert (critic) argues the law diverts police resources, and the Welsh government says the ban is successfully embedding.

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Story summary

In March 2022, Wales introduced a smacking ban that has drawn mixed parental reactions, including Antonia Merola Jones (advocate).
Mari Ellis Dunning (parent) expresses confusion about the law, and advocates compassionate parenting.
Since the ban, fewer than five cases have been prosecuted, and 365 parents were referred to out-of-court courses.
Simon Calvert (critic) argues the law diverts police resources, and the Welsh government says the ban is successfully embedding.