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-22

CADRP-22

 

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)

I do not support this proposed bill for three main reasons:

1. Smacking a child in discipline does not constitute abuse. There is a huge, huge difference between discipline and abuse. A small smack on the backside, leg or back of the hand causes no damage at all and offers a sharp surprise rather than any pain. Thousands and maybe millions of children [including myself] have been smacked in their younger and formative years with no ill effect whatsoever.

2. There are already laws in place - very comprehensive laws that cover and deal with any abuse meted out to a child.

3. Several surveys demonstrate that the majority of people in Wales are opposed to any such bill being introduced. The population of Wales is around 3.125 million and the number of A.M. members is a mere 60. So even if all 60 members vote to bring in the bill [and all 60 will not], they do NOT represent the views of the majority of people they claim to represent.

 

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, not at all! There are already clear and precise laws that cover the abuse of children.

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 sincerely hope the Bill is NOT introduced

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)

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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)

The view has been expressed many times that passing this Bill will criminalize loving and caring parents who see discipline as important to training up children in the way they need to grow and develop when other methods of discipline have failed to work.

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)

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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)

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