smacking

Leading child doctors have joined calls for a complete ban on smacking children in England, saying there is no evidence it has any positive effect on their wellbeing.

Other charities, including Barnardo's, have also long called for an English smacking ban.

Ms Redwin said she thought she had heard “smacking” from downstairs followed by a scream.

Government ministers are considering a smacking ban for England, the Department for Education has confirmed.

The woman said she heard “shockingly loud” sounds of smacking and “gut wrenching screams” of young female children.