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-323

CADRP-323

 

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)

Children need boundaries, they will push those boundaries and if they are strong and sturdy , the child will feel secure and safe. If there are no boundaries then the child will feel insecure and will resent their guardians. I smacked my child when he knew it was wrong and I had explained the reason for it. My son is now 50 and a very good citizen. He has told me that he felt safe and secure and he respects me greatly for the way he was brought up. If children know that the law forbids discipline, they will do as they like , right or wrong and will not have any respect foe “anyone “ in authority ie : teachers, police, etc., it encourages rebellion. 

If they learn before the age of 5 years then you have a responsible, citizen.

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)

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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)

-

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)

Yes, children are not mature enough to know the difference between right and wrong, at the age when they should be lightly disciplined, they would be delighted to get away with malpractice, but when they  as adults it’s too late to stop riots and lawlessness, it is more costly to control wilful behaviour than to give them light discipline when they are tender and able to teach them. Banning smacking could overwhelm police and social workers with trivial reports so then real child abuse issues are overlooked.there is a clear difference between child abuse and loving parental discipline.

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)

Smacking is used to warn children of dangers before they are old enough to understand a verbal warning. Criminalising it will actually jeopardise children’s safety.

Child on child violence increased after smacking was banned in Sweden in 1979.