MEDIA RELEASE

2 August 2008

87% Of Parents of Young Children Reject Anti-Smacking Bill

Family First NZ says that the Littlies website poll which found that 87% of parents of young children don't think the anti-smacking law is effective is confirmation that NZ'ers have soundly rejected the law change and its time the politicians listened and changed it.

The www.littlies.co.nz poll asked "One year on, do you think the anti-smacking Bill has proved to be effective?" 87% said No, and a further 7% were unsure. Only 7% said it was effective.

According to their website, Littlies Magazine is the country's fastest growing and only monthly parenting magazine. They reach more families with children 0-5 years than any other parenting magazine in New Zealand (81,000 families).

"This is the voice of kiwi parents. The opposition to the anti-smacking law is just as strong as it was when it was first pushed by the Prime Minister and Sue Bradford," says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ, "and follows on from other polls which have recorded similar opposition."

A Research International poll in February found that 74% parents believed it should be legal to smack; a Family First commissioned poll in May found that 85% wanted the law changed to allow light smacking; a TVNZ website poll in June found that 85% wanted the anti-smacking law scrapped; and a NZ Herald poll in June found that 81% wanted a referendum on the smacking legislation at this year's election.

"The anti-smacking lobby has tried to argue that NZ'ers have changed their mind on the legislation and that the 370,000 NZ'ers who signed the petition were either misled or have changed their mind. These arguments have been found wanting and smack of desperation," says Mr McCoskrie.

"It's time to tackle the real causes of child abuse, violence and crime without criminalising the efforts of good parents raising productive and law-abiding citizens of the future."

"NZ can lead the world by being the first country to reverse this flawed law before its effects are fully felt by families and the community," says Mr McCoskrie.

ENDS

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