No, spanking children remains legal in France under parental authority, but corporal punishment is increasingly restricted under child protection laws. The 2019 “anti-violence éducative” law bans humiliating or degrading punishments, while physical discipline remains permissible if deemed “reasonable.” The Conseil de l’Europe has criticized France for failing to fully prohibit all corporal punishment, urging alignment with EU child rights standards by 2026.
Key Regulations for Spanking Your Child in France
- Ban on Degrading Punishments: The Loi n°2019-222 (2019) prohibits punishments causing humiliation, fear, or physical harm, classifying them as child abuse under Article 222-13 of the Penal Code.
- Parental Authority Limits: While Article 371-1 of the Civil Code grants parental authority, courts may intervene if discipline crosses into abuse, per Article 375 (child protection measures).
- EU Compliance Pressure: The Conseil de l’Europe’s 2022 resolution demands France outlaw all corporal punishment by 2026, threatening sanctions if non-compliant. Local child protection services (ASE) monitor high-risk cases.