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, approximately 110,000 students experienced physical punishment across the United States during the 2013–2014 school year. This practice persists particularly in states like Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas, where thousands of students are paddled annually.
What on earth is going on?
At 34 years old, I grew up in Utah during the ’80s, a largely conservative state, and I genuinely thought paddling in schools had become a relic of the past. I was completely taken aback when I heard this story during my commute. To learn that paddling is still accepted and legal in some schools, even at the high school level, was beyond comprehension.
As a father of three, I imagine many parents share my disbelief. To illustrate this for those unfamiliar with the South, I remember a story from elementary school, possibly by Mark Twain, discussing how paddling was a disciplinary method used by teachers long ago, but had since faded away.
To complicate matters, NPR noted that most instances of corporal punishment occur with parental consent. The case in point is Robbinsville High School in North Carolina, where Principal Mike Jenkins is the sole high school principal in the state who continues to administer corporal punishment—with permission from parents, which he regularly secures.
Consider this:
Students aged 15 to 18 are summoned to the principal’s office for infractions. A cited example involved a sophomore whose phone rang in class; she was given the choice between being paddled or serving in-school suspension.
It’s hard to fathom that in 2017, a student could face paddling for something as minor as a cell phone going off in class. To add to the absurdity, this girl opted for paddling, and when her father was contacted, he simply said, “Just paddle her because down here in the mountains, we do it the old-school way.”
Now, I’m not here to label this man as a bad parent or to suggest that what’s happening in this North Carolina high school is straight out of a historical novel. However, it’s clear that most American schools have moved past corporal punishment. Contrary to some media narratives, our society hasn’t devolved into chaos where kids roam wild like something from Lord of the Flies.
It’s worth noting that Principal Jenkins believes, “If more schools practiced this, we’d have a much better society.” This view starkly contrasts the wealth of research indicating that corporal punishment correlates with higher dropout rates, increased mental health issues, and future violent behavior.
On the upside, parents must opt in for their children to be subjected to such punishment. Honestly, if a principal called me to ask for permission to paddle my child, my response would be a resounding “Absolutely not.” I might briefly consider confronting him, but then I’d realize that filing a complaint or switching schools would be the more responsible route.
Unfortunately, for many parents in the rural South, that option may not be feasible. If you find yourself in this situation, make it abundantly clear that no one has permission to physically discipline your children.
In December, numerous organizations, including the National PTA and the American Academy of Pediatrics, signed a letter advocating for the cessation of corporal punishment. The letter stated, “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 those who endorsed this letter, I firmly believe there is no place for corporal punishment in our schools; it should be relegated to the history books.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the practice of paddling in schools is archaic and counterproductive. It’s time to prioritize effective, positive disciplinary methods that foster a supportive learning environment for all students.
Keyphrase: corporal punishment in schools
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