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-245

CADRP-245

 

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)

Because I very much agree with the points made by Mrs Gobbett that such a bill would be detrimental to families across Wales. The reasonable use of chastisement has always been used in Wales and around the world for centuries without ill effect on the children. This bill would mpact on my family and countless others who occasionally use reasonable chastisement. All my children are happy and well balanced and to 'ban smacking' seems to me to be a knee jerk reaction of the highest order.

Even if this law was passed it would not deter true abusers from abusing children as we all know how cunning and secretive they are. It would waste huge amounts of resouces and police time, damage people's reputations and would create a snitching state where everyone is suspicious of everyone else instead of a culture of trust and dignity for parents.

The evidence I have seen and read about shows clearly that reasonable chastisement by parents is good for not only the child for a secure upbringing but for society as a whole. I am passionate about being part of a happy Wales and if this bill is passed the happiness of our great nation will be seriously and perhaps irrevocably damaged for generations to come.

 

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

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)

No

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)

Yes of course, as I stated above.. Not least the decrease in happiness and security of our children.

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)

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