Taipei: The Executive Yuan has approved draft legal amendments aimed at abolishing the right of parents to physically discipline their children. The proposal was put forward by the Ministry of Justice and seeks to amend Article 1085 of the Civil Code, which currently allows parents to “inflict punishment” on their children within necessary limits.

According to Focus Taiwan, the revised article emphasizes that parents should consider their children’s age and development, respect their personalities, and refrain from engaging in any form of mental or physical violence. The proposal is now set to be reviewed by the Legislature.

The Ministry of Justice reported that the proposal aligns with the U.N.’s Convention on the Rights of the Child and recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission. It also draws inspiration from similar legislative changes in Japan and South Korea. Should these changes pass, the ministry plans to propose amendments to the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights A
ct.

Lin Ming-hsin, a minister without portfolio who oversaw the bill’s drafting, highlighted a recent trend in Taiwanese courts against parental punishments that harm a child’s physical or mental health. Lin noted that the proposed revisions could significantly impact court verdicts and parent education.

While corporal punishment is banned in Taiwanese schools, it remains prevalent at home. A 2022 survey by the Child Welfare League Foundation revealed that 63 percent of parents admitted to using corporal punishment, and 62.6 percent used “verbal violence,” such as threats, public scolding, or derogatory remarks.