14 DAY TRIAL // Doing household chores is an annoying activity for many children in the world, but Spanish kids could be legally forced to help out around the house if a new bill is passed.
Lawmakers in Spain have advanced a new draft Child Protection Bill, which stipulates that kids must help out with housework, be polite to their parents and teachers, and respect the urban street furniture.
Under the new legislation, children under 18 will be legally obliged to participate in all areas of family life. They will have to take “co-responsibility in caring for the home and performing household tasks in accordance with their age and regardless of their gender,” as the measure states.
According to local newspaper ABC, the rules regarding house chores are included under a section of the law called “the rights and duties of children.” The childhood protection bill was already approved by the lower house of Parliament on Friday, but is still awaiting approval from the Senate.
The draft law also states that children will have to participate in family life and respect their parents and siblings. While at school, minors will also have to obey some rules, as they must “respect school rules, study for the mandatory period, and have a positive attitude towards learning throughout the educational process.”
However, the new legislation doesn't mention anything about penalties for children who fail to comply, and its focus is mainly on the responsibilities of children. We assume parents will decide what penalties are best suited for their children if they don't follow the rules.
Another aspect of the new law is related to the authorities' effort to establish a list of known pedophiles, who will be banned from working with children, and to oblige adults to report possible crimes against children. Otherwise, they could face being charged with a “crime of omission.”
People who will work with children as part of their job in schools or other companies will be required to provide a copy of their criminal record before being hired.
Moreover, under the new law, the adoption process is streamlined, the criteria for declaring adopters suitable are unified, and the right to have access to the adopted children's biological origins is being regulated.
Spain's Health Minister Ana Mato stressed out that the new bill approved on Friday was the result of the consensus between autonomous communities, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Justice.