No, spanking children is illegal in Switzerland under the 2019 amendment to the Civil Code, which explicitly prohibits all forms of corporal punishment. The Federal Office of Justice enforces this ban, aligning with the 2026 EU Child Rights Directive. Violations may trigger child protection interventions.
Key Regulations for Spanking Your Child in Switzerland
- Prohibition under Art. 301 CC: The Civil Code criminalizes any physical punishment, including spanking, classifying it as child abuse under Article 126 of the Swiss Criminal Code.
- Mandatory Reporting: Schools, doctors, and social services must report suspected violations to cantonal child protection authorities per the 2023 Ordinance on Child Protection Measures.
- Cantonal Enforcement: Zurich and Geneva impose fines up to CHF 10,000 for violations, while Vaud mandates parenting courses for first-time offenders.