Big Measures Taken to Protect Millions of Children

The Czech Republic has taken a landmark step for children’s rights by entirely banning all corporal punishment from January 2026, setting a clear legal standard that protects nearly two million children from violence.

“This reform shows our shared commitment to positive, non-violent upbringing,” the government said as the new Civil Code provisions, explicitly prohibiting physical punishment, mental distress and other degrading treatment, were adopted with broad political and public support.

The reform strengthens legal protections, guides professionals, and promotes cultural change toward respectful parenting. With this decision, the Czech Republic becomes the 69th country worldwide to ban corporal punishment, thereby increasing the number of children protected globally to approximately 345 million. Meanwhile, national authorities are preparing awareness and support measures to ensure the law is implemented effectively.