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NOT ALLOWED All of Belgium

Can I slap my child to discipline them?

In short

No. Under the Criminal Code, violence against a child can be a criminal offence even if it leaves no mark (art. 200, level 2). The law makes no exception for a 'corrective slap'. However, a specific law that explicitly bans smacking has not been passed yet.

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This rule in 59 seconds
Video transcript

Your child won't listen. You've raised your hand and are about to slap them. Not allowed: Violence against a child can be a crime even with no mark: level 2. The law has no 'educational slap' exception. The right way: Lower your hand and talk once you've calmed down. Support: 1712 in Flanders; 103 for children in Wallonia and Brussels. Consequences (Level 2 offence): Prison: 6 months – 3 years; Serious injury: 3 – 10 years prison; Also: Custody may be affected.

What is not allowed, what is required?

  • Under the Criminal Code, violence means deliberately using physical force in a way that can cause pain or injury (art. 193).
  • Violence against a minor is level 2 even if there is no injury at all. If the injury is serious, the penalty goes up to level 3 or 4; if the child dies, it is level 5 (art. 200).
  • If the violence is committed by a parent, a close relative or someone living with the child, the judge treats this as an aggravating circumstance.
  • Bills have been put forward to write the right to a 'non-violent upbringing' explicitly into the Civil Code. According to the sources we could find, they have not been passed yet; but this does not mean that smacking is allowed.
  • Helplines: in Flanders, 1712 (free, anonymous; weekdays 09:00–18:00). In Wallonia and Brussels, 103 for children and young people (free, every day 10:00–24:00).

Penalty and indirect consequences

PENALTY NOTICECriminal Code, level 2
Fine / payment
At this level, the main penalty is prison or an alternative penalty; the judge can also simply declare the person guilty without imposing a sentence. The victim can also claim compensation.

Legal basis:Strafwetboek (W 29.2.2024) Boek I, art. 36

Court / prison
6 months – 3 years in prison or 1 month – 1 year of electronic monitoring; 120–300 hours of community service or 12 months – 2 years of probation can also be imposed; for serious injury, level 3 (3–5 years) or level 4 (5–10 years), and if the child dies, level 5 (10–15 years in prison)

Legal basis:Strafwetboek (W 29.2.2024) Boek I, art. 36

What does this level mean? Criminal Code, level 2: 6 months – 3 years in prison or an alternative sentence. All penalty levels →

What really matters: the indirect consequences

What do these terms mean?

Criminal record
The state register of convictions handed down by a court. The extract asked for a job, residence or nationality application comes from it. Municipal GAS fines are not entered in it.

All terms: glossary →

Why does this rule exist?

Children cannot protect themselves and depend on adults. A child who grows up with violence can learn that violence is a way of solving problems. The rule protects the child's body and dignity.

Where can you go?

  • Violence helplineFlanders 1712 (weekdays 09–18) · Wallonia and Brussels 0800 30 030 (partner violence), 103 (child abuse) · Emergency 112
  • Child and family servicesFlanders: Kind en Gezin / Opgroeien · Wallonia and Brussels: ONE
  • School guidance centreThe school's CLB / centre PMS
  • Social interpreterAt the municipality, the OCMW/CPAS, school and hospital, you can ask for an interpreter in your language; it is often free.

This site does not handle individual cases; it points you to the right service. All help addresses

Source and reliability

Official source
Source check
13 / 13 statements in an official source
Checked: 12.10.2026
Last checked
12.10.2026
Rules can change
Show the 13 checked statementsopen

The checked statements are in Turkish, as in the source text. This check does not replace legal advice.

General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, ask a lawyer or free legal aid. How was this information prepared?

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