Parents will not be banned from smacking their children, the British government said today.
Ministers said the law in England and Wales will remain unchanged after a review found that most parents do not want a complete ban.
The government ordered the review after the law was tightened in 2004. At the time, ministers said they wanted to protect children without criminalising parents.
Under the current law, parents can smack their children as long as it doesn't leave bruises, grazes or swelling.
The Children's Commissioner for England, Al Aynsley-Green, said he was disappointed by the decision not to ban it outright.
"I see this as a missed opportunity to protect children from violence in the home," he said. "Children and young people should have the same right to protection under the law on common assault as that afforded to adults.
"By not changing the legislation, we continue to send out confusing messages to parents about the acceptable use of violence across society."
Parents should control their children with different methods, such as taking away toys or banning TV, he added.