From Monday 21st March, children’s rights will be further protected, as the physical punishment of children becomes illegal in Wales.
Children in Wales have campaigned since our inception to end the physical punishment of children, and called for laws to be put in place which offer full protection for children against assault.
This has now become a reality as the Children (Removal of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020 becomes law.
What does it mean for children?
· All physical punishment is illegal in Wales
· Children are afforded the same level of protection from assault as adults
· Better clarity in law, making it easier for children, parents, professionals and the public to understand.
The law applies to everyone in Wales – parents and anyone who is responsible for a child – as well as to visitors to Wales
Sean O’Neill Policy Director at Children in Wales said
“Today marks a historic moment as children throughout Wales will now be able to enjoy the same level of protection from assault as adults. We fully support this change in law and have long campaigned for an end to physical punishment. Our country is on a progressive journey towards the full realisation of children’s rights, and today’s law change is a significant step forward in this direction”
Where can I access more information?
You can find out more about the change in law by visiting the Welsh Governments Ending Physical Punishment in Wales website where you will find a collection of resources for the public and for professionals.
The Parenting Give it Time website offers positive parenting practical hints, tips and expert advice to support good behaviour from children and alternatives to physical punishment.
What are we doing to support the new law?
Children in Wales are delivering a project which will raise awareness of the changes in law to children and young people. We are currently delivering a series of engagement activities with children and with those that work with them. We have set up four advisory groups; three groups with children and young people of different ages and with different needs, and the fourth group is made up of professionals.
Our programme of work is focused on three central objectives
• Developing an engagement plan in consultation with relevant stakeholders including young people.
• Developing relevant resources for schools and other organisations, on the changes in law, embedded within the context of children’s rights and complimentary legislative changes.
• Undertaking an awareness-raising plan to help promote the resources and cascade information about the legislative changes
If you would like more information about our project, please contact elaine.speyer@childreninwales.org.uk