Clear prohibition against child punishment

- There should be no more doubt over whether we've abolished with the right of parents to punish children physically and psychologically in Norway. Clarifications to the law are intended to remove all discussion about its provisions, says Minister of Children and Equality Anniken Huitfeldt. She's now seeking comments on a proposal for changes to the Children Act.

The proposed clarification of § 30 in the Norwegian Children Act make clear that the right of parents to use physical and psychological punishment has been fully eliminated in Norway. The right of parents to punish children physically was rescinded in 1972, but a Supreme Court decision in 2005 created uncertainty in the interpretation of provisions in the Children Act.

- With this clarification it will be clear that all forms of violence against children – both physical and psychological – are forbidden in Norway," says Anniken Huitfeldt. "That includes any such violence used by parents in the course of child-rearing. Punishment is not an acceptable way of raising children in Norway. Children should have the same legal protections against violence as adults. The current debate shows there is a need for a clarification of this kind.

The Ministry of Justice has indicated that children's legal protections will also be strengthened in the criminal code. That will mean that actions considered violent under the Children Act will also be seen as violence under provisions of the criminal code.

The deadline for comment is 2 Feb. 2009.