Physical or mental violence against children is prohibited. Article 6 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany restricts the fundamental right of parents to the care and upbringing of their children in such a way that children are entitled to a non-violent education. This is also laid down in § 1631 Civil Code (BGB): "Children have a right to non-violent education. Physical punishment, mental injury and other degrading measures are inadmissible". Hitting is physical violence and constitutes a criminal offense.