Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 7:29 pm on 17 September 2019.
I think Government has said that there would be a package of measures in support of this legislation, and it is about positive parenting and making sure that the advice and the support and guidance will be available to have that positive parenting, and I think that would very much address those issues that you raise also.
Over 50 countries, we know, have already made this change and are experiencing the benefits. By and large it's a positive experience, and I want to see children in Wales, families in Wales and parents in Wales having that positive experience as well. I do believe we need to send the right messages and this change will send those right messages. We need to change expectations of parents. The family unit is the essential building block in society. It should be a loving, warm and supportive unit, as loving, warm and supportive as possible. It should allow children's personalities to develop and flourish. Positive parenting will allow that. It's a better way to set boundaries than hitting, and it's an important part of fostering, I believe, the sort of loving families that we want to see here in Wales. So, I very much welcome this progressive Bill and the Welsh Government's commitment in bringing it forward.