Consultation on the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill

Tystiolaeth i’r Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg ar gyfer craffu Cyfnod 1 Bil Plant (Diddymu Amddiffyniad Cosb Resymol) (Cymru)

Evidence submitted to the Children, Young People and Education Committee for Stage 1 scrutiny of the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill

CADRP-76

CADRP-76

 

About you

Individual

1      The Bill’s general principles

1.1     Do you support the principles of the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill?

— No

1.2     Please outline your reasons for your answer to question 1.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

Why is the Welsh Government trying to criminalise good parents?The law in its present form is more than sufficient to ensure whether children are being physically abused by poor parents. You should be focusing on parenting skills as part of the education system in schools and not enforcing a smacking ban. In Sweden, where this new law has been introduced, is showing that child on child violence is proportionally higher in comparison to before the new law was introduced.

What I can see from the response of the Welsh First Minister, is adamant that this bill becomes law, despite the fact that 76% of Welsh adults disagree with him and it is part of the Labour manifesto when elected! It states that the law should be same as adults but children are not adults and need discipline in order to improve their social skills. The Welsh Government has the responsibility to listen to the voice of the Welsh people and not to ignore it. Our nation is becoming a dictatorship before our very eyes!

You must remember that a smack is not child abuse but a loving disciplinary tool used by parents to differentiate between good and bad behaviour.

1.3     Do you think there is a need for legislation to deliver what this Bill is trying to achieve?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

-

2      The Bill’s implementation

2.1     Do you have any comments about any potential barriers to  implementing the Bill? If no, go to question 3.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

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2.2     Do you think the Bill takes account of these potential barriers?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

-

3      Unintended consequences

3.1     Do you think there are there any unintended consequences arising from the Bill? If no, go to question 4.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

The unintended consequences of this Bill means that it will create a greater problem of behaviour and mental health issues. It’s no good closing the stable after the horse has bolted. Society will suffer and our prisons full to bursting, even more than they are now.

4      Financial implications

4.1     Do you have any comments on the financial implications of the Bill (as set out in Part 2 of the Explanatory Memorandum)? If no, go to question 5.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

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5      Other considerations

5.1     Do you have any other points you wish to raise about this Bill?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

This Bill will make criminals out of good, loving parents. Children taken into care will be scarred for life with mental issues caused by grieving after their parents. The government is making a rod for its own back and society.