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Unreasonable law

There is growing concern among professionals working with families that the current law of 'reasonable chastisement', dating back to 1860, neither protects children nor supports parents. Children, as the smallest and weakest in our society, deserve the same protection from being hit as adults. Most parents do not want to hit and are crying out for help with alternatives, rather than an archaic 'right'

Children, as the smallest and weakest in our society, deserve the same protection from being hit as adults. Most parents do not want to hit and are crying out for help with alternatives, rather than an archaic 'right'

to physically punish their children.

A new law to protect children from being hit would not put ordinary parents in the dock. Only those who administer harsh and frequent 'punishments'

would have anything to fear. Though attitudes are clearly changing for the better, we need law reform to send a clear message to all parents, but especially to those under pressure, that hitting children is not a solution and can be physically and emotionally harmful.

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