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-23

CADRP-23

 

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)

Each child is different and smacking is a tool available for parents and it works for some families.

To not have smacking available to parents would be a huge social experiment, and an unessasary one.

There is a difference between abuse and reasonable chastisement.

New Zealand banned smacking and then the ban was revoked.

We live in an age where discipline and respect for adults is declining, and this runs parallel with a reduction of traditional and Christian models of upbringing. The two are linked. We have the laws already. It is believed by many that the Welsh government have become addicted to bringing in socially restrictive laws because they are easy to introduce and needs little investment and gives the perception that things are being done. This interference shows a lack of faith in parents to know their children and is criminalising parents. It is also casting judgement on people's parents and other generations, where the off spring currently value and naturally want to emulate the way they were raised, which is divisive to communities.

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 legislation exists for abusive parents already. So the legislation is heavy handed and will not be respected by faith communities in particular.

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 bill goes against traditional parenting models and against religious views. It may not be respected by many.

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)

Poorer discipline and less respect for adults and the need for it to be revoked in the future. Good parents will find themselves fighting legal cases and it will criminalise 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)

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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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