Canadian Medical Association Requests Repeal of Corporal Punishment Provision

Corporal punishment – spanking – has long been a debate in the parenting world. On one side, you have those that believe “Spare the rod, spoil the child” On the other side, you have those who believe that good parenting should never involve corporal punishment. Who’s right? I won’t go into that, but the Canadian Medical Association sure did when they wrote a strongly worded editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

The statute they are talking about, Section 43 of the Criminal Code, gives parents and teachers legal defense when they physically discipline children. In 1984, the Law Reform Commission of Canada recommended the repeal of section 43 for teachers, but requested that it remain for parents, “primarily out of concern that the criminal law would otherwise unduly encroach on family life for every trivial slap or spanking.” That request was granted.

Now, John Fletcher, editor-in-chief of the journal, says that it’s time to remove the provision. He says that this provision tells parents that physical punishment is an acceptable method of discipline.

“Although it is not necessary to make spanking a crime to encourage alternative approaches to parenting, Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada sends the wrong message, stating, ‘-a parent is justified in using force by way of correction – if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances,’” Fletcher said in his signed editorial.

Fletcher also pointed out that police already have discretion regarding when an assault on a child is trivial. He argues, however, that “any bias” should be aimed at children because they are particularly vulnerable.

“To have a specific code excusing parents is to suggest that assault by a parent is a normal and accepted part of bringing up children. It is not. While Section 43 stands, it is a constant excuse for parents to cling to an ineffective method of child discipline when better approaches are available…It is time for Canada to remove this anachronistic excuse for poor parenting from the statute book.”

So how do parents feel about removing the provision? According to information from a Library of Parliament, a 2003 poll showed that 69 percent of Canadians favored repealing the provision for teachers, but only 51 percent said it should be removed for parents as well.

It seems that, up to this point, the Supreme Court of Canada, has agreed with parents. In a Criminal Code provision back in 2004, Section 43 remained after being met with a 6-3 ruling. During that proceeding, the high court ruled that the provision did to infringe upon a child’s right to security of the person under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, nor does corporal punishment fall under the category of “cruel and unusual punishment.”

Unfortunately, research data says otherwise. Previous studies have linked physical punishment to aggression in children, delinquency and emotional, developmental and behavioral impairment. A more recent study also linked mental health issues in children to corporal punishment.

So should the provision be removed? The final word goes to the Supreme Court of Canada. Until it reaches them, the recent editorial is certain to stir up some controversy in the parenting world.

Related Articles:

• Study: Music Makes Children More Empathetic
• Study: Childhood Obesity May Lower IQ
• Study: Organic Foods Provide Same Amount of Nutrients and Vitamins as “Conventionally” Grown Foods

SOURCE
Image credit: fasphotographic / 123RF Stock Photo

---