No, spanking children is illegal in Poland under the 2010 amendment to the Family and Guardianship Code, which explicitly prohibits corporal punishment. The law aligns with Poland’s 2015 ratification of the Council of Europe’s “Ban on All Corporal Punishment” and is enforced by local family courts and the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights. Violations may trigger child protection proceedings under Article 96a of the Code.
Key Regulations for Spanking Your Child in Poland
- Prohibition under Article 96a: Physical punishment is classified as child abuse, with parental authority restrictions imposed by family courts in Warsaw, Kraków, and other regional jurisdictions.
- Ombudsman for Children’s Rights oversight: The 2021-2026 National Action Plan for Children’s Rights empowers the Ombudsman to investigate reports of corporal punishment, including spanking, and mandate parental education programs.
- Criminal liability risks: Under Article 207 of the Penal Code, repeated or severe cases may result in misdemeanor charges, with penalties including fines or community service, particularly in cases reported to local police or social welfare units.