In a recent NPR segment titled “Where Corporal Punishment Is Still Used In Schools, Its Roots Run Deep,” startling statistics surfaced. According to a report by Education Week, around 110,000 students faced physical punishment in the 2013–2014 school year. In states like Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas, this archaic practice continues to affect thousands of children annually.
As a 34-year-old who grew up in Utah during the ’80s, I assumed that paddling was a relic of the past. I was shocked to discover otherwise while commuting to work and hearing about this ongoing issue. It was even more surprising to learn that paddling isn’t limited to elementary schools; it also occurs in high schools.
As a parent of three, I suspect many others shared my misconception. For context, when I was in elementary school, discussions about paddling were often based on stories from the past, likely inspired by authors like Mark Twain. These tales served as reminders of a time when such punishments were common, but we believed they were no longer practiced.
Complicating matters, NPR reported that most corporal punishment occurs with parental consent. A notable example is Oakridge High School in North Carolina, where Principal Jonathan Reed is the only high school principal in the state who administers corporal punishment, always with parental approval, which he frequently secures.
Let’s pause for a moment to consider the implications: teenagers aged 15 to 18 are summoned to the principal’s office for infractions such as a cellphone ringing in class. One example discussed involved a sophomore given the choice between paddling or in-school suspension. This option feels like a throwback to a bygone era, much like being pulled over for driving a horse and buggy. Shockingly, the student chose paddling, and her father’s response was to approve it based on local tradition.
While I don’t wish to label any parent as inherently bad for their choices, it’s clear that most American schools have abandoned corporal punishment. Contrary to claims you might hear on certain news outlets, our country isn’t descending into chaos where youth run wild.
In direct contrast, Principal Reed advocates for paddling, asserting that if more schools employed this method, society would benefit. This stance stands against overwhelming research indicating that corporal punishment leads to higher dropout rates, increased depression and substance abuse, and a greater likelihood of future violence.
On a positive note, parents must opt-in to allow a school administrator to physically discipline their child. Personally, if a principal contacted me about paddling one of my kids, I would firmly refuse. My instinct would be to express my outrage and file a complaint or relocate to a different district. However, for many parents, particularly in rural areas, alternatives may be limited. It’s crucial for them to clearly communicate that no one has permission to harm their children.
In December, numerous organizations, including the National PTA and the American Academy of Pediatrics, endorsed a letter advocating for the abolition of corporal punishment. Their aim is clear: “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 that corporal punishment should belong to history.
In summary, the continued use of paddling in schools is an outdated practice that needs to be abolished immediately. There are healthier, more effective methods of discipline that can support students’ growth without inflicting physical harm. For further insights into related topics, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.