Barnardo's response to PAVA spray being spray used on children in Young Offender Institutions

Elisabeth Davies, the national chair of the Independent Monitoring Boards, whose members operate in every prison in England and Wales, said the justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood, should pause the use of Pava spray in youth offending institutions (YOIs) until ministers had addressed the disproportionate use of force on minority prisoners.

She said the rollout of synthetic pepper spray for use to incapacitate jailed children is “wholly irresponsible” while black and minority prisoners are more likely to be subjected to force than white inmates.

Published on
19 June 2025

Lynn Perry, chief executive of Barnardo’s, said: “We continue to be extremely concerned about the government’s decision to allow the use of pepper spray on children in Young Offender Institutions. 

“Children in these institutions are some of the most vulnerable in our society. Many will have experienced trauma, abuse and exploitation before they broke the law – and the focus should be on helping them turn their lives around through rehabilitation and education. 

“We are particularly concerned in light of the government’s recent evaluation report, which found Black prisoners were nearly twice as likely as white prisoners to experience use of force. 

“At Barnardo’s, we’ll continue to make sure children’s voices are heard, and their experiences are understood, through our advocacy services to children in Young Offender Institutions. Like all children, it is vital that their rights and welfare are protected.”

Clicking 'Quick exit' allows you to leave the site immediately. It will take you to the BBC weather page.
Quick exit