I spent my early school years in a quaint little town, and I still vividly recall the moments when classmates found themselves in trouble, often sent to the principal’s office—the ultimate form of punishment. The buzz of curiosity among the other kids was palpable as they bombarded the returning student with questions like, “Did you get hit?” or “How many times?”
Even as a child, I sensed that something was fundamentally wrong with this practice. Now, as a mother of a soon-to-be 8-year-old son, I cannot fathom the thought of any school administrator striking my child with a paddle. We don’t even use spanking in our home. My upbringing didn’t involve physical punishment, so the idea of hitting a child, let alone at school, is utterly unthinkable to me.
Living in a state where corporal punishment is prohibited, I once believed this outdated practice was fading into history. However, I was sadly mistaken. A total of twenty-two states still permit corporal punishment in schools—fifteen states explicitly allow it, while seven have no regulations against it at all.
Worse yet, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection, over 166,000 students faced physical punishment during the 2011–12 academic year. The National Association of School Psychologists defines corporal punishment as “the intentional infliction of pain or discomfort and/or the use of physical force upon a student with the intention of causing the student to experience bodily pain as a form of correction or punishment.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics has long advocated for a nationwide ban on corporal punishment, stressing that such measures can negatively impact a student’s self-esteem and academic performance, as well as contribute to disruptive and violent behavior. It’s hard to see how this practice could be effective, especially when studies show that parental spanking is ineffective as a disciplinary method. I didn’t behave in school out of fear of a paddle; I behaved because I respected my teachers and understood the importance of good behavior.
Children who don’t receive proper behavioral guidance at home need to learn it at school, but physical punishment is certainly not the answer. Research indicates that minorities are disproportionately affected by corporal punishment; for instance, black children are twice as likely to experience physical discipline compared to their white peers. This disparity is particularly concerning in the seven states that account for 80% of such incidents, including Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama. Additionally, students with disabilities face even higher rates of physical punishment, as highlighted in an ACLU report.
It raises the question: who believes this is an acceptable approach? U.S. Education Secretary John B. King Jr. has recently urged all states to eliminate corporal punishment, pointing out the hypocrisy that such actions would be criminal assault if perpetrated against adults.
We must advocate for schools to be safe and nurturing environments where children can develop academically, socially, and behaviorally. When behavioral issues arise, resorting to violence is neither appropriate nor effective. We have more constructive methods available, and it’s time we embrace them.
As Dr. King emphasized, “This practice has no place in the public schools of a modern nation that plays such an essential role in the advancement and protection of civil and human rights.” It’s high time we retire the paddles and adopt a more compassionate approach to discipline.
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In summary, it’s crucial to end corporal punishment in schools to foster a more positive and effective learning environment for all students. We have the means to teach behavior without resorting to violence, and it is imperative that we take action now.