In 2001, The Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect, found that “69% of physical abuse cases resulted from inappropriate punishment” (BOOST: Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention, 2014). These means of inappropriate punishment stem from common disciplinary approaches including, spanking and hitting. Parents who use these methods of inappropriate punishment do not get charged to the severity of their act since they are supported by Section 43 of the Criminal Code in Canada. This act states that, “Every school teacher, parent or person standing in the place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care, if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances” (Barnett, 2008). This act legally supports parents, teachers, and guardians when physically disciplining children if the punishment is considered “reasonable” (Blanchfield, 2012).
How do we determine what is “reasonable”?
Up to what extent does it vary from discipline to punishment?
We believe that Section 43 of the Criminal Code in Canada needs to be repealed in order to protect the rights of the child, as well as protect any physical and/or emotional harm from being inflicted onto the child.
Below are two petitions focused on repealing section 43. Please take a look at their information and sources, and take time to sign their petitions.
#TELLSOMEONE 