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-142	CADRP-142

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)

It is a parents right to decide appropriate punishment for THEIR child. It is not for the state to involve themselves in private family matters.

There is a huge difference between disciplining a child with a smacked hand/ backside and beating a child and parents who decide that a snack is appropriate punishment for THEIR child should not be treated as a criminal.

I grew up in a home where my father beat my Mother, myself and my brother, but we also received a smacked backside for bad behaviour. I always knew when I deserved a smack for bad behaviour and still believe this was acceptable and cannot be compared to the other beatings I received.

I believe there are far bigger issues in Wales that you should be dealing with. We do not want to live in a Nanny State.

Parents are capable of deciding for themselves what is acceptable punishment.

In recent years we've been told to 'talk' to children when they misbehave and now we're seeing the result of that approach with unruly youths running wild as they've never been punished appropriately for their 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)

No. Try focusing on parents who are actually abusive to their children, not the ones attempting to raise disciplined, well mannered children.

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)

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)

Yes. You're going to criminalise parents who are doing what they feel us best for THEIR children. Appropriate discipline is their decision NOT the States.

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)

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)