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-18

CADRP-18

 

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)

Reasonable punishment is a healthy expression of care and concern for a Childs wellbeing, and a useful and effective tool in the process of parenting.

Unwarranted and draconian intrusion into established family protocols and relationships.

vast expense where not requested or needed.

It is clearly not endorsed by 2017 and 2014 polls of the the welsh people.

 source-

ComRes, 13-25 January 2017

YouGov, Western Mail survey, 9-11 April 2014

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 !

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)

-

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)

An increase in the stress of parenting by disabling one of the tools against the stronger expressions of children's disrespect/self-will/safety awareness, and the reciprocal increase of insecurity of a child that is derived from a parents authority.

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)

Costs a lot and more than administering the current system.

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)

Should parental smacking of children be a criminal offence?

76% say NO !

77% Agree with the statement - I would be concerned that a smacking ban might flood police and social workers with trivial cases which mean they struggle to stop serious abusers.

It is sometimes necessary to smack a naughty child.

68% said Yes!

Source: ComRes, 13-25 January 2017

Should parents be banned from smacking their children?

69% said NO!

Source: YouGov, Western Mail survey, 9-11 April 2014