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-477	CADRP-477

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)

Whilst hating all forms of child abuse, I believe there is a place for parental discipline (smacking) a child. This is not abuse, or criminal.

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, because this legislation criminalises parents.

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)

Why does a law abiding parent risk being criminalised for correcting a child's behaviour?

As a believing Christian I should have the right to punish my child if they are disobedient, by smacking as a last resort. This Bill would make me a criminal for trying to be a good parent and for challenging wrong behaviour in my child.

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. Christian communities are being ignored here, and risk being victimised and criminalised. Are Christians noted for being unlawful?

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. This law, designed to protect children for all the right reasons, means that children risk growing up without certain key potential boundaries.

Smacking is not a first option for challenging wrong behaviour in a children, but it must be there otherwise some children (not all) will not fully respect their parents.

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)

I have tried to raise children who will be good citizens. My right to smack them if their behaviour warranted it is part of what I need to have available to me as a parent.

I resent a law that could make me out to be a criminal, when all I want is the right for parents to be able to smack (not hit, abuse, assault or batter) their children as a last resort when other forms of discipline are not working..