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-180

CADRP-180

 

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 don't believe parents should be criminalised for reasonable chastisement. I think that smacking can be an effective form of punishment when used correctly. I was smacked occasionally as a child and all my siblings and I think it taught us not to do things that were wrong, and also made me see my parents as figures of authority and how I was under their care and responsibility. I think this form of punishment very much taught me that actions have consequences and always should! We should not be so ready to allow our children to walk over us. I see a lot less respect from children towards adults now then when I did when I was a child. Maybe you could pass a bill to teach parents how to successfully parent. I can honestly say that the shame of being smacked was what hurt, and not really the smack itself. I think we must truly recognise that all children are different, some might respond to a smack, some may respond to a confiscation of a toy, but we should be able to trust the majority of parents in that they would seek to use the most effective form of chastisement. It is not up to anyone other than the parents in how their child is raised (with the exception of those parents who are not fit to care for their own). I believe the Bible, and the Bible supports the authority of the parent and how we are to honour both Father and Mother, and that often it would be more harm to not exercise chastisement. In the short term, as a child, you may see it as cruel. But looking back as an adult I see it as kind.

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)

I think that there are parents who abuse their children physically, but I do not think this bill will necessarily stop this. These parents could already be reported for this abuse, I think this law would unnecessarily criminalise parents who want to and are trying to shape their children into decent people.

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)

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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)

Criminalising loving 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)

I think that this bill could be a waste of time for the legal sector and the police. There are more demanding issues that require the attention of lawyers and policemen than a false case of a parent harming their child.

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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