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-564

CADRP-564

 

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)

The principles of this Bill are all confused.

The Bill is confused over the needs of children and adults.

The Bill is confused over how to best help children.

The Bill is confused over the difference between physical punishment and reasonable chastisement.

 

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)

None whatsoever. Child protection laws are already extensive. This proposed law will harm children as it will deprive them of their right to loving parenting.

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)

Yes. The general population are very much opposed to this change in the law. Large numbers within the general population will not respect this law and it will, therefore, be unworkable.

Professionals do not have the resources, capacity or desire to implement this law.

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)

Not at all. The Bill is the hobby horse of a minority and reflects a very narrow view of what is good for children.

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 Bill will harm children by denying them parenting that is loving and caring.

The Bill will make children far more vulnerable to unpleasant and harmful non-physical disciplinary techniques. Some parents are likely to become very frustrated and angry with their child's behaviour which arises because the child persists, whereas, a gentle harmless tap would have prevented persistence and escalation of the unwanted/unacceptable behaviour. Alternative strategies are often upsetting for the child and damages their growth. 

The Bill will damage the relationship between children and their parents.

The Bill will damage the relationship between parents and professionals.

The Bill tells all parents, whether or not they agree with a parent's right/responsibility to reasonably chastise their child, that politicians think they are better at parenting than they are. It indicates to all parents that they are living in a nanny State and that they should live in fear if they do what they consider to be right (and what the majority of parents do and have done for as long as man has existed).

The Bill will make decent, loving parents highly suspicious of politicians' motives.

The Bill will harm communities and lead to more problematic behaviour among children.

 

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)

It is shameful that so much has already been spent on this political campaign when so many children are is desperate need. If any resources are available they should be diverted to children who are hungry, cold and in real need of protection rather than this unnecessary, impractical and harmful proposal.

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)

This Bill should be fully rejected. It will do untold damage to society and the lives of many individuals as it undermines parents and families. If families, the very building blocks of society, are undermined the whole of society is at risk.