No, corporal punishment against children is illegal in Italy under the Legge 184/1983 (Child Protection Act) and Legge 269/1998 (Prohibition of Violence Against Children). The 2017 ratification of the Council of Europe’s Lanzarote Convention further criminalized physical discipline, with penalties up to 6 years imprisonment under Article 571 of the Penal Code. Regional child protection services (Servizi Sociali) and the Autorità Garante per l’Infanzia e l’Adolescenza enforce compliance, while schools and healthcare providers must report suspected abuse to judicial authorities.
Key Regulations for Spanking Your Child in Italy
- Prohibition of Violence: Legge 269/1998 explicitly bans any form of physical punishment, including spanking, classifying it as child abuse under Article 571 (abuse of authority) or Article 612 (personal injury).
- Mandatory Reporting: Teachers, doctors, and social workers must report suspected abuse to the Procura della Repubblica (Juvenile Court) or local Servizi Sociali, triggering investigations by the Tribunale per i Minorenni.
- Cultural Shift & Enforcement: The 2026 National Action Plan for Child Rights aligns with EU directives, prioritizing education over punitive measures. Parents face mandatory counseling (programmi di sostegno alla genitorialità) if violations are confirmed.