Section 640. Forbidden actions

The following acts or threats thereof are forbidden:

1. Physical punishment including, but not limited to, striking a child, roughly handling or shaking a child, biting, pinching, restricting movement through binding or tying, forcing a child to assume an uncomfortable position, or exercise as punishment;

2. Enclosure in a small, confined space or any space that the child cannot freely exit himself; however, this does not apply to the use of equipment such as cribs, play pens, high chairs, and safety gates when used for their intended purpose with children preschool age or younger;

3. Punishment by another child;

4. Withholding or forcing of food, water, or rest;

5. Verbal remarks that are demeaning to the child;

6. Punishment for toileting accidents; and

7. Punishment by applying unpleasant or harmful substances.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 26, Issue 07, eff. July 1, 2010.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1701, and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.