Lenihan rejects smacking ban calls
Minster for Children Brian Lenihan tonight rejected calls for a total ban on smacking insisting the culture of parents disciplining their children by force was already changing.
Amid calls from the ISPCC to make the physical punishment of kids a crime, Mr Lenihan said people’s attitudes were shifting on their own accord and threats of prosecution were not needed.
“Considerable ongoing progress is being made in terms of changing the culture of disciplining children,” Mr Lenihan said.
“I am happy that we would progress on these lines rather than imposing criminal sanctions.”
Thirteen European nations have outlawed smacking and ISPCC chief executive Paul Gilligan said Ireland had a duty to live up to obligations made under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to ban parents from punishing their children by force.
“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,” Mr Gilligan 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.”
As part of the ISPCC’s ten-point plan to protect youngsters from abuse, contained in the ‘How Can We Be Sure They’re Safe?’ campaign, 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 follow other European nations in its efforts to protect youngsters.
Sweden led the way in child protection being the first European country to ban smacking in 1979.
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 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 are put to the top of the agenda.
