Calls for ban on police pointing Tasers at children

HUMAN rights experts have called for a ban on the "traumatising" use of Tasers against children by police, warning the "unacceptable" use of force runs contrary to children's rights.

- CHRIS HAINES

Rhian Croke, of the Children's Legal Centre Wales, said mounting evidence shows systemic discrimination - with black, disabled and poorer children more likely to be the target.

Dr Croke expressed concerns about the UK Government potentially authorising the use, including on children, of Taser 10 - a new "more powerful" model - in the weeks ahead.

She warned of increased risks of physical harm and psychological trauma, with children describing Tasers as frightening, painful and traumatising - even when not discharged.

Nearly a quarter of recorded Taser use on children in Wales and England involved black boys aged between 11 and 17, according to a briefing for Senedd Members. Children with mental health conditions or additional learning needs and those from poorer backgrounds were also found to be disproportionately affected.

In 2023, a United Nations committee called for a ban on the use of Tasers on under-18s, warning of potential breaches of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). "The decision to authorise Taser 10 will impact children in Wales," wrote Dr Croke. "Wales can and must do better. Despite policing not being devolved, Wales is a children's rights, trauma-informed, and anti-racist nation."

Urging the Welsh Government to lead calls for a pause on Taser 10, Dr Croke called for a wider ban on Taser use against children or at least a strong legal presumption against.