There will be no ban on smacking because most parents would oppose it, the Government has announced.
Kevin Brennan, a Children's Minister, said the Government would seek to promote "positive parenting" rather than an outright ban.
He told MPs: "A majority of parents say that smacking should not be banned outright. The Government will retain the law in its current form, in the absence of evidence it is not working satisfactorily."
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland it is lawful for parents to use 'reasonable chastisement' as long as it does not leave more than a transitory mark on the child. In Scotland, smacking is allowed but use of implements, shaking or blows to the head are outlawed.
