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-301

CADRP-301

 

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 already have protections in place - this bill would confuse the situation and I do not think this bill is necessary.

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 do not think this legislation is necessary.

I think this legislation would be used to pursue good parents who on occasion rely on physical punishment as a form of discipline.

I think the law already protects children from abuse but this bill would be used to punish good parents who practice corporal punishment not abusive parents.

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)

Public opinion is not in favour of this bill.

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)

No.

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)

I am very worried about the consequences of this bill - good parents, not abusive parents on occasion use physical punishment.

What will happen to those 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)

None

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)

Millions of children in this country who are now adults have had physical punishment - have these people been interviewed, their experiences taken into account? I really don't think so.

If you look at the older generation, you will find that they are well rounded individuals who largely do not recall their physical punishment with any disdain or regret.

I think the people behind this bill need to really do more research into the effect of having or not having physical punishment as an option.

If you look at schools today, a lot of teachers are exasperated because the behaviour of children is out of control - I think this bill will only worsen the situation.

I understand the intention which is a good one, to protect children but I think the law already does this and this bill is going too far and will punish good parents and reduce the standard of parenting in this country.