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-537	CADRP-537

About you

Organisation: Southern Methodist University

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)

Yes, I support the principles of the bill.  There are many reasons why this bill should be passed. For one, passing the bill will help to draw attention to the well-studied topic of parental use of corporal punishment (CP). The evidence is quite clear that CP is an ineffective punishment but potentially problematic. Parents who rely on it are more prone to inadvertently physically abuse their children. CP is also linked to a number of unintended negative consequences, such as children modeling their parents and engaging in more aggressive behavior. Another common consequence is children who are hit are more likely to feel sad, depressed, or anxious.  CP use by parents can damage the quality of the parent-child relationship: children who are hit do not feel they are loved and valued by their parents. There is even some evidence that it can negatively impact brain development as well as cognitive functioning. Finally, CP is a violation of children's right to be protected and not be harmed by anyone.

CP has not been shown to have positive impact on children's development.

There are more effective discipline techniques.

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)

The use of bills to change behavior has been shown to be an effective way to inform individuals and then promote behavior change.

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)

The major barrier is that some people will object to it. For example, Biblical literalists, who say they believe in every word of the Bible, cite the book of Proverbs as impelling them to use "the rod of correction."  There are multiple arguments that can be used to refute this position.

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)

No.

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)

The bill would promote children's safety and well-being, as well as enhance (with some education) good family relations.  Passage will result in some push-back, but over time, people would accept it, modify their behavior, and recognize the merits of it.

The government of Wales should take this important step in helping to ensure children's well-being and that children's rights are recognized, as outlined in the Convention of the Rights of the Child. The bill will also result in making families happier, safer, and better environments for children to grow and thrive.