A Spanking Is Not Upbringing. It Is Hitting

Many parents still repeat: "it was only a spanking," "it was for the child’s own good," "I was raised that way too." MOPS in Bolesławiec states clearly: a spanking is hitting. It is not a parenting method, not a way to teach, not the "lesser evil." It is hitting another human being—small, helpless, and dependent on an adult. Polish law leaves no doubt here. A child has the same right to safety and respect as an adult. No one has the right to hit them.

What Does the Law Say?

Article 96¹ of the Family and Guardianship Code expressly prohibits corporal punishment of children. There are no exceptions, no "minor cases," and no permission to spank.

Article 40 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland states that no one may be subjected to degrading treatment. This also applies to children—or perhaps above all to children, because they are the most vulnerable.

It is also worth knowing that:

  • Article 217 of the Criminal Code concerns violation of bodily integrity—in other words, simply hitting someone,
  • Article 207 of the Criminal Code concerns physical or psychological abuse.

One spanking does not automatically constitute an offense under Article 207. But this does not change the fact that hitting a child is prohibited by law. And when violence is repeated, the legal consequences become very real.

A Child Needs Boundaries, but Not Pain

Experts have no doubts: children really do need rules, boundaries, and consequences. But boundaries can be set without violence. Instead of shouting and spanking, all you need is:

a clear conversation—tell the child what they did wrong and why,

  • a calm tone—even when you are tired and upset,
  • consistency—set rules and stick to them,
  • time to cool down—for the child and for yourself.

Pain does not teach a child how to behave. It only teaches fear. And fear does not build good relationships.

Where Can You Find Help in Bolesławiec?

In Bolesławiec, support is available:

  • at the Municipal Social Welfare Center at 7 Cicha Street,
  • at the Municipal Counseling Center for Families and People Affected by Violence, Addiction, and Crisis.

You can talk there, ask questions, and request support—without judgment and without shame.

Remember One Thing

A spanking is hitting. The law prohibits it, but above all, common sense and the child’s well-being prohibit it. Raising children without violence is possible. It begins with one decision: I will not raise my hand against my child.