ISPCC calls for total ban on smacking

Children’s charity, the ISPCC, today called for a total ban on smacking as part of a ten-point plan to protect youngsters from abuse.

Insisting parents would support the move, ISPCC chief executive Paul Gilligan said Ireland was obliged to fulfil commitments made to the United Nations to guarantee the safety of kids.

“It is only a question of time before Ireland bans physical punishment. It is accepted that legislation needs to be introduced, the timing of that is for the Government to decide but we feel the time is now,” he said.

“Ten years ago there was outrage that you would bring in legislation, but now it is recognised smacking is not a good parenting tool.”

Mr Gilligan said Ireland was obliged under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to outlaw the punishment of children.

He said review groups including the Law Reform Commission report of 1996 had already demanded a ban and a complaint was also lodged against the Government with the European Committee of Social Rights over Ireland’s failure to bring in legislation.

The ten point plan was outlined at the ISPCC’s AGM in Dublin as part of the ‘How Can We Be Sure They’re Safe?’ campaign. Under the scheme the charity wants,

:: A constitutional amendment to acknowledge and underpin the rights of children as citizens.

:: Legislation to ban all physical punishment of children.

:: A national strategy to prevent child abuse.

:: Vetting for child workers should be statutory, with cross-jurisdiction and formal exchange between police forces and child protection services.

:: A comprehensive model of therapy and continuous risk assessment of sex offenders inside and outside of jail.

:: A comprehensive, child-friendly range of direct-access and 24-hour services with effective responses to disturbed, out of control children.

:: Child protection guidelines on a statutory basis.

:: Full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the National Children’s Strategy.

:: And full participation and involvement of children within Irish society.

Mr Gilligan said Ireland should take its lead from other European nations. In the United Kingdom parents who hit their youngsters so hard it leaves a mark can be jailed for up to five years. Under the Children’s Act 2005 mild smacking is allowed under a reasonable punishment defence.

But anything which causes visible bruising, grazes, scratches, minor swellings or cuts can face action.

The ISPCC also accused successive governments of failing to prioritise child protection and that unless these measures are introduced, children will continue to be left vulnerable within our society.

And the charity said a petition was being gathered and would be delivered to the Dail in a bid to ensure children’s rights is put to the top of the agenda.