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-159

CADRP-159

 

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 believe that a little smack on the hand or bottom is an effective way of disciplining a small child. it is reasonable for a parent to do this; we as parents did this occasionally, and our children have not suffered in any way - they have informed us of this. we ourselves were disciplined in this way, and we have not suffered either. there is already a prohibition against anything much more than this; a little smack cannot possibly be construed as abuse. abuse must be punished, but not these little smacks.

I think that this is an unnecessary interference into family life. there are far more important things for the Assembly to give its attention to.

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 don't want this to become part of the legislation

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 just think the whiole thing is impractical. is a small child at home going to report to the police?

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)

it doesn't look like it!

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 police are already overworked and understaffed. on the news it was reported that in Manchester only 40% of serious cases of crime could be dealt with. the police would simply not be able to cope with cases adequately.

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)

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)

I honestly feel that it is a waster of the Assembly's time, enery and resources to pursue this bill