No, corporal punishment against children is prohibited under Greek law. The 2021 amendment to the Child Protection Code (Law 4556/2018) explicitly bans all forms of physical discipline, aligning with the Council of Europe’s “zero tolerance” framework. Violations may trigger child protection interventions by the National Center for Social Solidarity (EKKA).
Key Regulations for Spanking Your Child in Greece
- Legal Ban: Article 153A of the Penal Code criminalizes physical punishment, classifying it as child abuse with penalties up to 10 years imprisonment for severe harm.
- Child Protection Oversight: EKKA and local social welfare services investigate reports, with mandatory reporting required for suspected abuse under Law 4538/2018.
- School & Institutional Policies: The Ministry of Education’s 2023 circular mandates disciplinary measures against educators using corporal punishment, including suspension or dismissal.
Greece’s 2026 compliance review under the Istanbul Convention reinforces these restrictions, with NGOs monitoring adherence. Courts have upheld convictions for parents using “mild” spanking, interpreting the law as absolute. Alternative disciplinary methods are explicitly recommended in government parenting guidelines.