Smacks still rife for too many kids

Children’s Commissioner Andrew Becroft says there is no doubt the 2007 ‘‘anti-smacking’’ law change has worked to protect children.

His comments come after a report showing one-third of Kiwi children are still smacked by their parents.

Ten years on from the repeal of section 59 of the Crimes Act in 2007 – the ‘‘anti-smacking law’’ driven by MP Sue Bradford – which removed the defence of ‘‘reasonable force’’ for adults who smacked their children, a longitudinal study shows many parents still use physical discipline as a form of punishment.

The University of Auckland’s study Growing up in New Zealand has released its ‘‘Now We Are Four’’ report which reveals worrying statistics happening behind closed doors.

The report showed one-third of mothers used smacking as a form of punishment and regularly shouted at their children. One in 10 parents said they frequently smacked their children.

Three per cent of Kiwi children regularly witnessed arguments between their parents which included physical violence. One in every 12 mothers reported ‘‘exploding with anger’’ at their children frequently.

Before he became children’s commissioner, Becroft was the country’s Principal Youth Court Judge. He said some of the cases which passed under section 59 before the law change could only be described as beating.

’’Even the law as it is does not require police to prosecute when the smacking is considered inconsequential. But what I do stand by is that there are more appropriate ways to enforce boundaries and to provide guidance.

‘‘I think all parents know deep down there are better ways. There are good strategies and help that can be available for any parents ... but I think there’s a significant challenge in New Zealand for us to do better for our families.’’

Becroft said many of the statistics in which New Zealand needed to improve – such as bullying, abuse and violence – could be traced back to the home environment.

As a parent he said he knew there were times when all parents fell short and felt ashamed.

‘‘All parents love their children. Parenting is an inherently stressful business ... the bottom line is we can do significantly better and we want to do better.’’

Research from the Brainwave Trust, an independent research charity, shows physical discipline may bring about immediate compliance from a child but it is shown to be harmful and is associated with a range of negative outcomes.

Growing up in New Zealand director Susan Morton said it was important to acknowledge how hard parenting could be for the current generation of parents who were dealing with a great many stresses in general life.

Justice Minister Amy Adams said recently that the Government would take action on the appalling family violence record. She said that New Zealand topped ‘‘the world at the rate in which we beat our partners and kids. We have the highest rates of family violence in the developed world’’.