Visitors to be reminded this summer that physical punishment of children is illegal in Wales

21 March 2022 was a historic moment for children and their rights in Wales. From that day on, all types of physical punishment, like smacking, became illegal in Wales thanks to new Welsh Government legislation. Throughout the summer months, as part of the ongoing nationwide public awareness campaign, the ending physical punishment advertising will focus on tourist locations across Wales including Cardiff airport and the nation's network of motorway service stations. The new law applies to all visitors to Wales as well as those resident in the country. This includes parents or anyone who is responsible for a child while the parent is absent.  A series of roadshows are also being held across Wales between June and September to promote the Welsh Government's positive parenting campaign, Parenting. Give it time. A digital advertising campaign will target visitors attending popular events as well as tourist attractions to amplify the outdoor advertising campaign. Adverts will appear on a large digital billboard outside the arrivals hall at Cardiff airport during the height of the summer travel season in August. Other initiatives include advertising at supermarkets and on petrol pumps.

Julie Morgan, MS, Deputy Minister for Social Services, said:- "The summer months are when people are traditionally out and about and this campaign is designed to ensure those on holiday in Wales or living here are aware of the new law. I am very proud it is now illegal to physically punish a child in Wales and it's vitally important that as many people are aware as possible. We are using the latest technologies to reach people remotely as they travel around the country combined with opportunities for face-to-face meeting as part of our positive parenting roadshows. It was a great day for children's rights when the law came into force and ensures Wales meets its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child by prohibiting the physical punishment of children. Children living in Wales and those visiting now have the same legal protection from assault as an adult for the 1st time. In tandem with the new law, we are also providing additional support through our Parenting. Give it time resources for parents and carers looking for alternatives to physical punishment and positive ways to manage children's behaviour."

Research Reveals Modern Parents in the North West Are the Most Lenient in History

NEW research of 2,000 parents in the UK by Censuswide reveals that modern parenting styles in the North West are more lenient than previous generations in the Region, with 55% agreeing they take a relaxed approach to raising their children, with very few or inconsistent rules. This is a stark contrast to the previous generation, with 66% of parents claiming that their own parents took a strict and clear approach to rules when they were growing up.

According to My Nametags who commissioned the work, these findings are demonstrated in day to day life. 55% of modern parents are more relaxed about what their children eat and drink than their own parents were, whilst 40% don't expect their children to help with household chores.

Instead, modern parents in the North West are focussed on spending time with their children and supporting them emotionally.

The study, which was commissioned by the leading name label manufacturer My Nametags, reveals that Parents feel as though they show more love and affection to their children (70%) and insist on more family activities than their own parents did (64%). As a result, 67% feel their children can be more open and honest with them than they could be with their own parents.

These findings are, according to My Nametags, reflected in parents' actions, with the research highlighting some stark differences between the generations in the North West. Whilst previous generations were more likely to support their children practically, by teaching their children to ride a bike (56%), buying ingredients for home economics at School (52%) and mending damaged clothing (48%), modern parents are more likely to spend quality time with their children. For instance, they are twice as likely to do arts and crafts at home (66%) and play imaginative games (57%) with their children than their parents were with them.

These significant differences between parenting styles are reflected in the fact that 33% feel uncomfortable with their own parents looking after their children.

Lars B Andersen, Managing Director, at My Nametags, comments:- "At My Nametags we speak to parents and grandparents every day. We were interested to find out how parenting has changed throughout the generations because we know that life has changed so drastically in the last 30 years. Whilst there may be fewer rules in place, it doesn't mean that modern parents are hands off. Instead, families today prioritise spending quality time together and developing children's soft skills."

What are your thoughts on this research findings? Do you think the data corrected in June 2022 is correct? What are your thoughts on this? Please do email them to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Damien Moore MP announces support for Liz Truss

DAMIEN Moore MP has announced his support for Liz Truss in the race to be leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party, and the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Writing on his Facebook Page, on Friday, Mr Moore outlined that he believed Liz Truss to be a proven supporter of Southport's levelling up mission across transport and healthcare, and a passionate believer in making a success of its Town Deal. From lowering taxes to standing up for families and freedom, Mr Moore continued that he has seen 1st hand Liz Truss' genuine desire to support Southport. Liz Truss previously visited the Town to meet with:- students, teachers, and apprentices, at Southport College, after which she praised the central role the College plays in our Town. Mr Moore has joined over a hundred of his colleagues in expressing his support for Liz Truss. Over the weekend, Tom Tugendhat, whose campaign Mr Moore supported until Mr Tugendhat was eliminated, announced that he was joining Mr Moore in supporting Liz Truss in the race to be the next Prime Minister. Under Conservative Party leadership election rules, Members of Parliament vote to put 2 of their colleagues forward to the Membership, who then vote via post over a period of several weeks for their favourite. The result will be announced on 5th September 2022. Those wishing to attend a husting can do so most locally in Manchester on 19 August 2022.

Damien Moore, Member of Parliament for Southport, said:- "Liz has proven time and again that she is an ardent supporter of Southport. Many residents contacted me, some who voted Conservative for the 1st time in 2019, asking me to back Liz, and it is right that I listen to them. Whether taking the time to visit in person and meet with so many of our fantastic residents, or always being available for a meeting about how to make a success of Southport's Town Deal, I know that Liz will continue to stand up for Southport as Prime Minister. But it is not just locally that she excels. As International Trade Secretary, she was responsible for signing numerous trade deals as she made a success of our Brexit, and as Foreign Secretary has proven on the world stage that she can stand up to Putin as she delivers on the UK's commitment to protect Ukraine. It's often asked what leaders are made of. With Liz, it's simple; Prime Ministerial material."

CLA urging ban on disposable barbecues

IN a call to action for all major retailers across the UK, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is campaigning for an immediate ban on the sale of disposable barbecues in an effort to prevent more wildfires damaging the countryside and threatening rural communities. CLA President, Mark Tufnell, said:- "The CLA is demanding that retailers immediately ban the sale of disposable barbecues across the UK this summer in a move to curb fires spreading in the countryside which cause great damage to rural communities, businesses and jeopardise the safety of all those in the surrounding areas. It is encouraging to see that Marks and Spencer has taken this decision, however it is now time for other major retailers to follow suit as soon as possible. During this period of prolonged lack of rainfall, record temperatures during heatwaves and wildfires damaging the countryside, policies such as this which can mitigate potential further fire damage are sensible and necessary. We warmly welcome people to the countryside as they seek to enjoy the glorious weather. But we ask them to help us protect farmland and natural habitats by not lighting barbecues, fires and other potentially hazardous materials, such as sky lanterns."