Vote YES for children

With referendum voting papers set to arrive in mailboxes in the next few days, voters are reminded that a ‘yes’ vote is a stand for the protection of children, for the support of parents and for a positive, non-violent society.

“New Zealand spends $2billion per annum meeting the costs of child maltreatment (abuse and neglect). Changing attitudes and beliefs about physical punishment and establishing a positive view of children are necessary steps in the reduction of the maltreatment that costs this nation dearly.

“Voting ‘yes’ in the referendum is a positive statement of support for the nation to create a brighter future for children, free from all forms of violence.

“Voters need not be fooled by the referendum question that has been drafted to generate a particular result. The question suggests hitting children is good parenting practice and that good parents are being criminalised by the child discipline law, when Police statistics prove this is not the case.

“Voting ‘yes’ is the best option for New Zealanders who value children and support their protection. The law sets a standard that violence against children is unacceptable. This is particularly important in a country with such high rates of violence against children.

“Voting ‘yes’ is also consistent with the cultural shift away from physical punishment evident in research released by the New Zealand Herald recently. ‘Yes’ votes support the child discipline law, which is consistent with government and community efforts to promote positive parenting. Positive parenting is consistently shown to be more effective than physical punishment and it supports the optimal development of children.

For more reasons why a ‘yes’ vote is in the interests of all New Zealanders, go to www.YesVote.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media