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-72

CADRP-72

 

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)

Banning smacking would criminalise loving parents who are aiming to teach their children that wrong choices lead to consequences and can be harmful. I also believe that it would use a lot of social worker / police time and funding which will reduce the amount if time / funding available to a tual cases of child abuse. There is already a law in place to protect children from violence. Smacking, as a proportional response to behaviour or other concerns, should not be mistaken for a violent outburst, which is something that is already a crimenal offense.

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, I believe this bill would be further removing the rights of parents to provide appropriate discipline for their children. It should be a family decision how to bring up children.

In addition, I was smacked as a child and do not, nor ever did see my parents as a abusive. Although at times I didnt like their methods, it helped me to become a responsible adult with a respect for right and wrong. I never questioned my parents motives as being anything other than loving.

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 think, as outlined above, a significant barrier that should be considered is the effect on limited public funding for police and social work. I am also concerned that families will be stigmatised for disciplining children, resulting in a society that doesn't know any boundaries. Boundaries in behaviour are part of what makes us  a civilised society.

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... the bill appears to want to remove parental rights in favour of the government "parenting". This is going to cause long term breakdown of families.

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)

As mentioned above, I believe that there will be breakdown of families, there will be more undisciplined young people and adults in society, leading to a less civilised society,  not more civilise5.

In additional smaking is a tool that can help children learn safety before they are old enough to fully understand verbal commands. Safety should be paramount for children and adults.

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)

I have already mentioned financial costs above.  However, I believ that the cost to society is likely to be far greater in other ways than financial. Violence among child has increased in Sweden since smacking was banned in 1979. Removing the rights of a parent to discipline their child as they see appropriate - criminal law should not regulate parenting decisions.

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)

A poll in Wales in 2017 found 76% of Welsh adults are against criminalising smacking. If we live in a democratic society,  where the decision to leave the WU can be made on 51% public opinion, surely the voice of this poll, at 76% should be taken into consideration