Proposed new law to protect children from harmful restraint is much needed
Nick Hobbs, Acting Children and Young People's Commissioner, fully supports Daniel Johnson MSP's Bill for enforceable guidelines on physical restraint in educational settings, including mandatory recording and reporting of incidents. Hobbs emphasizes the right of all children to be protected from abuse and harm, urging the Scottish Government to address the lack of statutory guidance on restraint and seclusion. The proposed Bill aims to provide holistic, human rights-based guidance applicable to all child care settings, ensuring children's safety and dignity. Hobbs stresses the importance of recording incidents to monitor and scrutinize practice effectively. Failure to implement rights-respecting practices puts children at risk and violates human rights obligations.