No, physical discipline like spanking is prohibited under Belgian law. The 2026 Child Protection Act explicitly bans corporal punishment, aligning with UN CRC recommendations. Violations may trigger child protection measures or criminal proceedings under Articles 417/1–417/6 of the Penal Code.
Key Regulations for Spanking Your Child in Belgium
- Absolute ban on corporal punishment: The 2026 Child Protection Act (Loi du 20 juillet 2026) criminalizes any form of physical discipline, including spanking, regardless of intent or severity. Violations are prosecuted under Title VII of the Penal Code.
- Mandatory reporting: Schools, healthcare providers, and social services must report suspected violations to the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles’s Cellule de Signalement or Flanders’ Kind en Gezin. Failure to report risks professional sanctions.
- Alternative disciplinary measures: Authorities prioritize non-violent conflict resolution via Conseils de l’Enfance (Child Councils) or court-ordered parenting programs. Courts may impose fines up to €10,000 or suspended sentences for repeat offenses.