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-505	CADRP-505

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)

The current law already affords sufficient protection for children against violent abuse.

Responsible parents will not use excessive violence against their little ones, but a sensitive smack is a very helpful tool for assisting good behaviour.

How can we expect good parents to be accountable for the behaviour of their children if their hands are tied?

It can be critical in some cases to deal immediately with behaviour which might endanger the child's safety and wellbeing.

The use of the 'Naughty Step' may do far more psychological damage to a child in the long term compared with a short sharp smack on the leg.

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)

None whatever.

Children are already protected from violence by existing law.

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)

Our police forces have more than enough to do dealing with real criminals without having to chase parents, who have been reported by maybe sincere people for presumed abuse.

Public opinion is solidly opposed to such a hill, and the welsh Government should listen and not dictate.

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)

Responsible parent will be criminalised, and our police will be given an impossible task.

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 will cost the taxpayer substantially more in police and legal costs.

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 think the Welsh Assembly has enough really important business to attend to without red herrings.