Calls for a ban on smacking children

The Government has come under renewed pressure to introduce a ban on smacking children.

 

An official complaint by children’s group to the Council of Europe claimed that “reasonable chastisement” is a violation of young people’s rights. They also criticise the Irish State for not attempting to outlaw the practice, despite calls from international human rights organisations, such as the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

 

The Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald has until the end of September to draw up a formal response to the Council of Europe committee on the issue.

 

Minister Fitzgerald has previously argued that a balance needs to be found between supporting effective parenting and the use of criminal law to prevent parents from using excessive force.

 

The Growing Up in Ireland study found that about 11% of mothers smack their children “now and again" while a survey of Irish adults found that almost one in two believed it's acceptable to slap a child.

 

What do you think? Do you think smacking should be legally banned? What methods do you use to discipline your child?