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

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CADRP-320

 

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 was brought up in an era of when it was common for a child to be reprimanded with a smack.This is probably the case for the majority of people and parents of today. However, it was only in the minority of cases that this form of punishment was excessive and cruel.

I love my three children, all over 30 now, and, when children, at times needed to reprimand them for their transgressions or sometimes for their own safety. and sought a form of punishment like a smack to correct. Does that make me abusive and under this legislation a criminal? I do not think so and neither would the majority of parents.

As parents you invariably have to teach a child to do what is right. I do not know of anyone who teaches a child to misbehave and it is this correction to do what s right is the majority of parents aim.

I appreciate that now my children do not smack my grandchildren but there are are forms of punishment that I find harder to countenance such as being locked in a bedroom or humiliated by sitting on "the naughty step" - modern day stocks without restraint!!!

The assembly is seeking to undermine the role of parents and adding pressure to an overworked judical system. It would be far better to support those parents, and children, who do abuse and are abused.

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)

Potential barriers to this bill are exactly how is it to be policed as the majority of discipline is undertaken within the confines of the home.

Does the assembly expect the wider family and neighbours to police the situation and report?

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)

Parents who want their children to grow knowing the rights and wrongs in this world will be criminalised.

Time spent on trivial reports will take police and social services away from investigating real cases of abuse to 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)

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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)

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