Schools vote to reintroduce paddling for misbehaving kids in XXI century.
As many parents know, disciplining one child can be hard enough, let alone a whole class filled with them.
This is the overwhelming reality of teachers who’ve to control classrooms of up to 30 or more kids daily.
Discipline misbehaving kids is one of the challenges schools face. And teachers have been using different strategies to keep students in line.
A few decades back, the use of physical punishment—hitting or whipping students—was common in schoolhouses across the US.
But in recent years, less violent punishments have replaced physical discipline. The number of misbehaving kids also increased.
This is why a few Texas public schools have reintroduced corporal punishment, bringing back paddling.
Under the new policy, teachers can use a wooden paddle to punish disobedient students, administering one paddling for each misdemeanor.
So, at the time of enrollment, parents sign whether they consent to have the punishment used on their child. This needs to be done in written and verbal consent to avoid any complaints in the future. And many parents support the new policy.
The punishment isn’t meant for kids who forget their homework or those who didn’t use the hallway pass.
This punishment is for students who are purposely doing wrong things or bullying others. Or maybe those misbehaving when classroom sessions are in progress.
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 to correct or punish the student’s behavior.”
And according to the Texas Classroom Teacher Association, corporal punishment is:
“Deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping. Or any other physical force used as a means of discipline.”
However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has taken a strong stance against corporal punishment in schools. The organization claims schools shouldn’t use any physical punishment.
Yet, despite their statements, public schools of 19 states throughout the US are allowing paddling.
And schools that continue to use back paddling promises that there’s no prejudice or discrimination involved.
The schools state that their punishments work in helping kids remember they should stay well-behaved while at school.
Disciplining kids isn’t about controlling kids. Instead, it is all about teaching them to control themselves.
As a result, it’s best to use strategies that help your children learn from their mistakes. Teachers should also use forms of punishment that cultivate better decision-making skills.
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