No.
Spanking children in Spain is illegal under the 2021 Ley Orgánica 8/2021 (LOPIVI), which amended the Penal Code to prohibit corporal punishment in all forms, including light spankings. The law classifies such acts as child abuse, punishable by fines or imprisonment. Regional child protection agencies (Direcciones Generales de Infancia) enforce compliance, with mandatory reporting to judicial authorities. Spain’s alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child underscores this prohibition.
Key Regulations for Spanking Your Child in Spain
- Prohibition under LOPIVI (2021): Article 154 of the Penal Code criminalizes any physical punishment, including spanking, framing it as a form of child abuse with penalties up to 2 years’ imprisonment.
- Mandatory Reporting: Teachers, doctors, and social workers must report suspected cases to regional child protection services (Servicios Sociales de Infancia), triggering legal investigations.
- Alternative Disciplinary Measures: Courts prioritize non-violent parenting programs (Programas de Parentalidad Positiva) over punitive actions, emphasizing education over punishment.