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-225

CADRP-225

 

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 not appropriate for the government to interfere with parents’ right to make use of physical discipline within the bounds of controlled, safe use. It seems to me that society is suffering the ill-effects of many parents in this current generation avoiding giving their children firm boundaries. A swat or smack should be an absolute last resort, but could save a child’s life. For example, a small child that runs out into a road might be saved from doing it again if given a short sharp reprimand and a thorough explanation of the danger. Furthermore, it can be much more damaging for parents to resort to shouting, swearing, etc rather than keeping control and giving reasonable and appropriate physical punishment. Again, it should be last resort and never leave a mark, but it is preferable to out-of-control parenting and totally lack of parental authority.

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. I believe we need less legislation and more parental support. I am in favour of parenting classes being made available in communities, clubs and activities for children particularly in poorer areas, etc. I think there are many ways to approach the issue. If the government is concerned about children being abused, they are wasting their time trying to criminalise good parents who care enough to provide clear boundaries for their children. There is already legislation in place to provide guidelines for what constitutes abuse, and reasonable punishment is not abuse.

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)

It may end up criminalising good parents doing their best to raise responsible adults and citizens.

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)

No.

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)

See above.

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)

The money would be better spent helping parents who lack family support, and parents struggling to maintain a healthy home atmosphere.

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)

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