Today (March 21) marks the beginning of a new Welsh Government law which makes it illegal to physically punish children.

The Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020, all types of physical punishment, such as smacking, hitting, slapping, and shaking, are illegal.

The new law will apply to everybody in Wales, including visitors.

Wales joins more than 60 nations across the world to end the physical punishment of children.

Julie Morgan, deputy minister for Social Services, said: "Today is a historic moment for children and their rights in Wales as we make physically punishing children a thing of the past.

"I have campaigned to make physical punishment illegal for more than 20 years. I am thrilled that from today children finally have the same protection from assault as adults.

She continued: "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 added: "I am delighted the physical punishment of children is now illegal in Wales. 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."