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-479	CADRP-479

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)

Having been brought up in a Welsh family and community that have exercised physical punishment, I believe that if such punishment has resulted in more good than harm. When handed out in a calm manner without anger, and having sat down and spoken to the child why it is necessary, physical punishment can be very productive.

I cannot endorse physical punishment to the point of physically marking a child over a length of time, although a little reddening of the skin, I believe, is acceptable. I do not find it acceptable to punish by any contact with the head, and particularly the face, but I would rather deem it safer on the softer spots on the lower body.

I believe that the Bill should be seen as an attack itself on family life, where problems should be dealt with within the home whenever possible.

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, on the basis that I cannot go along with what the Bill is trying to achieve. I believer that such steps are in line with many changes to society that will bring about a generation with severe difficulties.

The political correctness of recent years is already producing divisive principles that are largely appeasing minority groups that are bent on pushing their own agendas. They tend to do this with such virulence to the point that decision makers are swaying in the wind and giving way under their pressure.

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)

I do not believe that the Bill should be considered in the first place.

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)

I cannot accept the priniciples and direction of the Bill, and I am hoping that it will face barring.

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)

I believe that there are both unintended and intended dire consequences if the Bill were to be passed.

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)

It is a waste of taxpayers money to come up with such a Bill that should not have come into being. The minimum amount that it should take to educate parents in how to bring up their children whether in disadvantaged areas or other areas, is negligible in comparison to the cost of social work, policing and imprisonment that is more likely to be the norm. should the rights of a parent be taken away to withhold reasonable physical punishment.

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 would be seriously concerned about a rapid regression in social behavior as a result of this Bill being passed.