Parents to have say on proposed smacking ban

PARENTS are being asked for their views on smacking children ahead of proposed changes to the law.

The Welsh Government has committed to introduce the so-called “smacking ban” as part of its current legislative programme.

Consultation on the proposals, which the Government says will make life better for both parents and children, are being carried out over the next 12 months.

As part of this, an online survey for parents has been launched by the Welsh Government which says: “We want your views about parenting as we develop our proposals for legislation to remove the defence of reasonable punishment.”

The #TalkParenting survey runs until midnight on November 23.

Around the world more than 50 countries have outlawed physical punishment for children, with Sweden being the first in 1979 while Ireland did so at the end of 2015.

In June First Minister Carwyn Jones confirmed his commitment to introduce legislation to remove the defence of reasonable punishment.

If passed by the National Assembly for Wales, it means children in Wales will be protected under the law from physical punishment.

The survey, which asks questions including “What level of punishment do you think the law allows?” and “What do you understand by the term “corporal punishment?”, also asks parents how they manage their children’s behaviour and what methods they find work best.

The introduction to the survey says: “Despite evidence showing that physical punishment is not effective and is potentially harmful, it is still legal.

“The Welsh Government wants to remove this anomaly in the law and send the clearest message that physical punishment of children is not acceptable.

“Attitudes to parenting practices have also changed. While physically punishing children was accepted as normal practice in previous generations, research shows parents today are increasingly using positive approaches which are proven to be more effective.

“Prohibiting the use of physical punishment of children will address an aspect of the law which is out of date and at odds with our modern and forward thinking society.”

Across the world 52 countries have so far banned smacking.

The Welsh Government intends to change the law alongside a range of measures including its Parenting. Give it Time campaign, Flying Start and Families First programmes.

“A change in law will assist in enabling parents, carers and guardians to raise happy, healthy and confident children in Wales,” the survey adds.

The survey can be found at www. smartsurvey.co.uk/s/YRQEA/