The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has called on UK government four times to remove the punishment’ defence in relation to assaults on children. ‘reasonable Extensive research evidence shows that not only is physical punishment ineffective in managing children’s behaviour, but it can cause considerable harm. Changing the law will contribute to a change in social attitudes about hitting children as has happened in other countries where children have equal protection. Law, policy and practice should be aligned thereby giving consistent messages that all forms of violence against children are unacceptable. Q2. In addition to our existing Promoting positive parenting has a key role in social learning and enhancing relationships. It is the core to parenting support and preventing harmful interactions, parenting, and the sorts of perceptions which justify maltreatment. information campaign are there any other support Providing parenting support through the first years of a child’s life is strongly supported by evidence to mechanisms you think we improve parenting, reduce parental stress, enhance the resilience of children, and prevent child should put in place to support maltreatment. parents, carers and guardians? The promotion of positive non-violent parenting should therefore form a key element of Wales’ strategy to (yes, no, d/k If yes, what are – prevent violence against children and improve their developmental outcomes. Current parenting support they?) and information services are making a difference, but we need more capacity in every county. We also need a legal and policy framework that prevents all forms of violence against children in all settings, backed up by resources, research, monitoring and data collection. Without this, positive parenting programs will have limited impact.
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has called on UK government four times to remove the ‘reasonable punishment’ defence in relation to assaults on children. Extensive research evidence shows that not only is physical punishment ineffective in managing children’s behaviour, but it can cause considerable harm. Changing the law will contribute to a change in social attitudes about hitting children as has happened in other countries where children have equal protection. Law, policy and practice should be aligned thereby giving consistent messages that all forms of violence against children are unacceptable. Q2. In addition to our existing parenting support and information campaign are there any other support mechanisms you think we should put in place to support parents, carers and guardians? (yes, no, d/k – If yes, what are they?) Promoting positive parenting has a key role in social learning and enhancing relationships. It is the core to preventing harmful interactions, parenting, and the sorts of perceptions which justify maltreatment. Providing parenting support through the first years of a child’s life is strongly supported by evidence to improve parenting, reduce parental stress, enhance the resilience of children, and prevent child maltreatment. The promotion of positive non-violent parenting should therefore form a key element of Wales’ strategy to prevent violence against children and improve their developmental outcomes. Current parenting support and information services are making a difference, but we need more capacity in every county. We also need a legal and policy framework that prevents all forms of violence against children in all settings, backed up by resources, research, monitoring and data collection. Without this, positive parenting programs will have limited impact.
CIW-Consultation-response-re-Legislative-Proposal-to-Remove-the-Defence-of-Reasonable-Punishment-final.docx