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A ban on the use of physical punishment against children has come into force in Wales.

The Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020 was passed by Senedd Members two years ago and finally came into force on Monday, March 21.

It means Wales joins more than 60 countries across the globe, including Scotland, in introducing the ban, providing children with the same protections against assault as adults.

The law means punishments such as smacking, hitting, slapping and shaking are now illegal in Wales.

The Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan described the law change as a “historic moment for children and their rights in Wales”.

Mrs Morgan said: “The law is now clear – easier for children, parents, professionals and the public to understand. Physical punishment is illegal in Wales and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.

“We want to protect children and their rights and this law will add to the fantastic work we are doing to make sure all children in Wales have the best start in life and to live the lives they want to live.”

First Minister Mark Drakeford also welcomed the changes and said: “This is a historic achievement for children and their rights.

“The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child makes it clear that children have the right to be protected from harm and from being hurt and this includes physical punishment.

“That right is now enshrined in Welsh law. No more grey areas. No more ‘defence of reasonable punishment.’ That is all in the past. There is no place for physical punishment in a modern Wales.”

Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Pam Kelly, said: “Protecting and safeguarding children from harm is a core part of policing.

“This legislation is clear and coupled with good partnership working will help us all to keep children in Wales even safer.”