Organisations and policy makers
Organisations and policymakers have a role in changing culture to bring about an end to the physical punishment of children. This can range from inserting one line into an existing policy, to the attempts of the Welsh Assembly Government to change the law in Wales (see Info sheet 8).
Their role and how it relates to the three aims of SCP!/CAU! are as follows.
AIM ONE: To change the law so that children and young people have the same protection from being hit as adults Currently, the power to amend the law resides at Westminster and representation should be made to the local MP or the Secretary of State at the Department for Children, Schools and Families. (You can e-mail MPs through the website www.parliament.uk or use the simple and effective www.writetothem.com) Organisations can ensure that their own policies reflect equal protection for children. They can provide information and training to members and employees to ensure that the no-smacking message is delivered at all levels of the organisation. They can encourage members and projects to campaign for legal change. They can conduct research within and outside the agency to support the campaign.
AIM TWO: To have a public education campaign about why smacking children is not OK. Organisations may be able to spread the messages of the campaign to a wider audience through their membership, through local interest, through promoting their policy to other agencies and individuals, although this would not replace the government led public information campaign which would be required when legal change happens.
AIM THREE: For parents to have lots of information and practical advice and support about alternatives to smacking and positive approaches to bringing up children Organisations can provide this as appropriate. Policymakers should ensure that all developments in the promotion of positive parenting include clear information that children have a right to equal protection.