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-349

CADRP-349

 

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)

Society requires that young people grow up with a certain respect for those in authority. It is a problem that discipline is breaking down in many places. In schools the teachers need pupils who will listen to instructions and comply. This discipline is properly inculcated in the home, preferably by loving parents. Society should assist parents to do this job. Part of this assistance is to permit parents to have the option of reasonable punishment. It is not in the interests of the people of Wales that children become contemptuous of authority.

Every child is different and for some it may be necessary to allow a mild smack to be given by those who have responsibility for the child's welfare.

There are existing legal safeguards against physical punishment which causes harm to a child.

In bringing up 4 children in Wales it was only very rarely necessary to smack any of them. Having that option promoted the good behaviour that they needed to learn.

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)

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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)

Yes. There will be the risk of false accusations against people.

There will be children of loving parents being taken away from them by authorities.

Police and Social services could be caught up investigating minor incidents.

The Welsh public will not appreciate that the views that 76% of Welsh adults, who are against criminalising smacking, are to be ignored.

People like me who were smacked in childhood will not support the Wales Government.

We will become a laughing stock for other parts of the world.

Children too young to understand a verbal reprimand will not have their safety protected.

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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