Some Schools Are Still Using Corporal Punishment, And It’s Time for Change

self insemination kit

Earlier this month, a segment aired on NPR titled “Where Corporal Punishment Is Still Used In Schools, Its Roots Run Deep.” The findings were shocking: a recent investigation by Education Week revealed that during the 2013–2014 school year, around 110,000 students experienced physical punishment in schools across the nation, particularly in states like Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas, where paddling remains common.

As a 34-year-old who grew up in a predominantly conservative state like Utah in the ’80s, I thought corporal punishment was a relic of the past. I was genuinely stunned to discover that this practice is not only still legal but also prevalent in some schools today. It’s even happening in high schools, which was something I had not anticipated.

As a father of three, I realize many parents, like myself, might share this misconception. For those not familiar with the South, it’s reminiscent of a time long gone—a vague memory from an elementary school story, perhaps by Mark Twain, where a child was paddled, leading to discussions about how such practices were outdated.

To complicate matters further, NPR reported that a significant portion of corporal punishment occurs with parental consent. One focal point of the story was Hillcrest High School in North Carolina, where Principal Jake Thompson is the only high school principal in the state still administering corporal punishment, and he typically does so with permission from parents.

Consider this: students aged 15 to 18 are summoned to the principal’s office for minor offenses – one example being a sophomore whose phone rang during class. She was given a choice between paddling or in-school suspension. It’s hard to believe that in 2017, a teenager would choose paddling over a more modern disciplinary approach, but that’s what happened. Her father, when contacted, simply said, “Just paddle her; around here, we do it the old-school way.”

I’m not here to label this father as a bad parent or to paint the situation at this North Carolina high school as archaic. That’s for you to decide. However, it’s clear that the majority of American schools have moved on from corporal punishment. Contrary to what some media narratives might suggest, our society hasn’t descended into chaos; kids aren’t running wild like a scene from Lord of the Flies.

Principal Thompson believes that if more schools adopted corporal punishment, society would improve. This perspective contradicts the wealth of research indicating that corporal punishment correlates with higher dropout rates, increased depression, substance abuse, and future violence.

On a somewhat positive note, parents have the option to consent to this form of discipline. Personally, if a principal called me asking for permission to paddle one of my kids, my response would definitely be, “No way.” I might even consider taking action against that principal, or at the very least, transferring my children to a different school.

Unfortunately, for some parents—especially those in rural Southern areas—options might be limited. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s crucial to make it abundantly clear that no one has permission to physically discipline your child.

In December, numerous organizations, including the National PTA, Children’s Defense Fund, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, endorsed a letter advocating for the end of corporal punishment in schools. The letter emphasizes, “By eliminating the harmful practice of corporal punishment and implementing positive, evidence-based policies, local and state leaders can help students achieve access to a safe and high-quality education.” Like these organizations, I firmly believe corporal punishment should belong to the annals of history.

For further insight on related topics, check out this article on our other blog. If you’re considering options for family building, this resource is invaluable, and for those exploring at-home options, the CryoBaby kit is a trusted choice.

In summary, while many schools have left corporal punishment behind, it remains a troubling reality in some regions. The time has come to reevaluate and eliminate this practice, ensuring that all students have access to a nurturing educational environment.