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-360	CADRP-360

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?

— Yes

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)

Children need to have the same level of protection from physical punishment / assault as adult members of society.

Physical punishment is physically and psychologically harmful to children and young people.

Physical punishment is not effective and so can lead to escalation of physical force used, and gives the message to children and young people that physical punishment/violence is acceptable, thus making this a generational problem.

There is a lack of clarity on what is acceptable behaviour, which the Bill would address by making no level of physical punishment acceptable.

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)

Yes, particularly to make completely clear to parents, carers and others in authority that physical punishment of any kind is not acceptable.Also to ensure that there are consequences for adults who physically punish or abuse children and young people.

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)

-

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)

Possible issues around parental free choice, but the greater good intention should override this.

Usual case cited is quick response to toddlers putting themselves in danger - 'tap on the hand' to alert to dangerous behaviour - but there are other ways to deal with this - possibly consider good parenting guide to toddler safety?

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)

No

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)

No