Taser Use on Children

Tasers, also known as Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs), are electrical discharge weapons used by the police to incapacitate individuals by delivering an electric shock. They work by sending electrical currents through barbed probes that penetrate the skin, temporarily disrupting the body’s neuromuscular system and causing intense pain. Although classified by the College of Policing as “less-lethal” weapons, organisations such as Amnesty International, Children’s Rights Alliance England (part of Just for Kids Law) and the Omega Research Foundation argue this is misleading, as Tasers can cause serious injury or death, particularly when misused or used repeatedly.

Human rights bodies, including the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, have called for a complete ban on Taser use against children. In their 2023 Concluding Observations, the Committee explicitly recommended that the UK and devolved governments prohibit the use of harmful devices—including Tasers—on anyone under 18 years. This call reflects the serious physical, psychological, and developmental risks associated with Taser use on children.

The Committee views Tasers as incompatible with children’s rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly Article 19 (protection from violence), Article 24 (right to health), and Article 37(a) (protection from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment). Evidence of disproportionate use, especially against Black and marginalised children, adds to concerns around discrimination and systemic injustice (Article 2 of the UNCRC). For these reasons, Tasers are widely considered an unacceptable use of force against children by international human rights experts and contrary to our Wales specific legislation on children’s rights in Wales.

Children’s Legal Centre Wales working with sister organisation CRAE (part of Just for Kinds Law) are advocating for the end of Taser use on children.

For further information please see our joint briefing communicating urgent concerns over Taser use and the proposed introduction by the UK Government of Taser 10 and the negative impact on children’s rights.