In a recent survey conducted by a BC-based public opinion database, Research Co., it’s been found that compared to 2018, Canadians are changing their perspectives when it comes to physically disciplining their children.
Based on an online study conducted between February 9th to February 11th, 51% of Canadians think it is time to abolish Section 43 of the Criminal Code.
Section 43 of the criminal code states, “every school teacher, parent or person standing in the place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances.”
Those in favour of abolishing Section 43 increased by 17% since a similar Research Co. survey was conducted in May 2018.
While more than half of Canadians are in favour of condemning the physical discipline of children from outside sources, 58% of Canadians agree with allowing parents to physically discipline children in Canada—an opinion that rises to 65% among men and 61% among those aged 55 and over.
Only 26% of Canadians (-17%) agree with allowing school teachers to physically discipline children in Canada, 61% acknowledge having been physically disciplined by a parent or guardian as a child.
The results of this study are based on 1,000 adults with the data statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region.
