Corporal Punishment in Canada: What the Law Says About Spanking

Under Section 43 of the Criminal Code, parents, teachers, and caregivers may use reasonable force for correction toward a child under their care. However, the Supreme Court of Canada (2004) set strict limits:

• Force must be reasonable under the circumstances.
• Must not cause bodily harm.
• Cannot be used on children under 2 or over 12.
• Cannot involve objects (belts, paddles) or blows to the head.

While not outright illegal, spanking is heavily constrained. Many provinces and child-welfare organizations discourage it entirely, promoting positive discipline instead.