PUBLIC OPINION

Should parental smacking of children be a criminal offence?

76%say NO
Source: ComRes, 13-25 January 2017

The online poll was conducted by ComRes which interviewed 1019 Welsh adults between 13 and 25 January 2017. Data were weighted to be demographically representative.

I would be concerned that a smacking ban might flood police and social workers with trivial cases which mean they struggle to stop serious abusers.

77%agree

Source: ComRes, 13-25 January 2017

The online poll was conducted by ComRes which interviewed 1019 Welsh adults between 13 and 25 January 2017. Data were weighted to be demographically representative.

It should be the role of parents and guardians to decide whether or not to smack their children.

77%agree
Source: ComRes, 13-25 January 2017

The online poll was conducted by ComRes which interviewed 1019 Welsh adults between 13 and 25 January 2017. Data were weighted to be demographically representative.

It is sometimes necessary to smack a naughty child.

68%say YES

Source: ComRes, 13-25 January 2017

The online poll was conducted by ComRes which interviewed 1019 Welsh adults between 13 and 25 January 2017. Data were weighted to be demographically representative.

Were you ever smacked by your parents or guardians as a form of discipline?

85%say YES

Source: ComRes, 13-25 January 2017

The online poll was conducted by ComRes which interviewed 1019 Welsh adults between 13 and 25 January 2017. Data were weighted to be demographically representative.

Should parents be banned from smacking their children?

69%said no
Source: YouGov, Western Mail survey, 9-11 April 2014

The poll was conducted by YouGov which interviewed 1009 Welsh adults between 9 and 11 April 2014. Data were weighted to be demographically representative.