Most Czechs against ban on physical punishment of children

Some 60 percent of Czechs disagree with a proposed amendment to the law that would ban physical punishment of children, according to a poll conducted by the Median agency. Seventy percent of respondents said they themselves had been punished in this manner as children. One fourth of parents say they smack their children from time to time. Only 31 percent of parents polled said they were against physical punishment and never used it. Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Džamila Stehlíková, who proposed the amendment, says it is necessary to hold a public debate on the issue. Most experts say there is no reason to introduce a ban on smacking, since there is a law that bans maltreatment of children.

Author: Ruth Fraňková