Housework for Spain’s children

Under a new draft law approved in the Spanish Parliament last week children will be legally obliged to do housework and respect their school teachers.

The Child Protection Bill would mean that Spanish parents and teachers have a weapon in the war against disobedient children.

If the bill is passed, children under 18 in Spain will be legally obliged to do household chores “in accordance with their age and regardless of their gender”.

Children and young people will also have to “participate in family life” and respect “their parents and siblings”. 

And when it comes to school there are obligations there too, with children having to “respect school rules” and “study as required”.

Children and young people will be required to “respect their teachers and other staff at education teachers”, as well as their fellow students.  

The law also states that Spain’s youth should take a responsible attitude towards public property and the environment.

Even though the draft law doesn’t set out penalties for children who fail to fulfill these requirements, it does mark a shift in legislation, with its focus on the responsibilities of children.

The draft law also means that all job applicants wanting to work with children will have to provide a copy of their criminal record.

The bill seeks to establish a list of those who should not be allowed to work with children and youngsters.

Adopted children will have a right to know the identities of their biological parents under the bill.

The legislation would also require those working with children to report possible crimes against children. A failure to do so will be considered a crime of omission.