Some Schools Are Still Paddling Children, and It’s Time for Change

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Earlier this month, NPR aired a segment titled “Where Corporal Punishment Is Still Used In Schools, Its Roots Run Deep,” revealing a shocking statistic. According to a recent investigation by Education Week, around 110,000 students faced physical punishment in the 2013–2014 school year. This practice continues in states like Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas, where thousands of children are paddled each year.

What’s going on here? As a parent of three, I was under the impression that paddling was a relic of the past, something we read about in old stories, not a reality in today’s classrooms. I was taken aback when I learned that this practice persists, not only in elementary schools but also in high schools.

For context, I remember stories from my childhood about paddling, perhaps from authors like Mark Twain, which sparked classroom discussions about how such punishments were outdated. Yet, it seems that in some areas, this old-school approach remains very much alive. NPR pointed out that most of the corporal punishment occurs with parental consent. A notable example is Creekwood High School in North Carolina, where Principal Tom Harrison is the only high school principal in the state who still administers corporal punishment—always with the approval of parents.

A Shocking Scenario

Consider this scenario: students aged 15 to 18 being taken to the principal’s office for minor infractions. One case mentioned involved a sophomore whose phone rang during class. She was given the option of being paddled or facing in-school suspension. Her father, when informed, said, “Just paddle her because here in the mountains, we do it the old-school way.”

It’s hard to comprehend that in 2023, a teenager would choose paddling over suspension. However, it happened. The father’s response raises questions about parenting and the values we pass on. While I won’t label him a bad parent, the fact remains that most American schools have moved beyond corporal punishment, and the notion that our youth are unruly, as some media might suggest, is far from accurate.

The Argument for Change

Principal Harrison argues that more schools should adopt corporal punishment for a better society. This view starkly contrasts with research indicating that corporal punishment leads to higher dropout rates, increased depression, substance abuse, and more violence in the long run.

On a positive note, schools require parental consent for this practice, but if I were in that situation, I would firmly refuse. I would consider filing a complaint or seeking a new school district. Unfortunately, for some families—especially in rural areas—options may be limited. I urge those parents to clearly communicate that no one has permission to physically discipline their children.

Advocating for Change

In December, various organizations, including the National PTA and the American Academy of Pediatrics, signed a letter advocating for an end to corporal punishment. The letter emphasizes that eliminating this harmful practice and replacing it with evidence-based policies will allow students access to a safe and quality education. Like many who signed this letter, I firmly believe that corporal punishment should be relegated to the past.

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Conclusion

In summary, the continuation of corporal punishment in schools is both surprising and concerning. It’s essential for parents to advocate for their children and push for more humane disciplinary methods. As a society, we need to recognize the detrimental effects of such practices and strive for a more compassionate approach to education.