In a recent NPR segment, titled “Where Corporal Punishment Is Still Used in Schools, Its Roots Run Deep,” a shocking revelation emerged: approximately 110,000 students experienced physical punishment in schools across the United States during the 2013-2014 academic year. This practice persists particularly in states like Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas, where thousands of children are subjected to paddling every year.
As a 34-year-old who grew up in conservative Utah during the 1980s, I had naively believed that paddling was a relic of the past. Yet, listening to this segment during my daily commute left me in disbelief—corporal punishment is not only still legal but also actively practiced in some schools, including high schools.
As a father of three, it struck me that many parents might share my outdated assumption. For context, I remember discussing paddling in elementary school, likely sparked by a classic Mark Twain story, which conveyed that such practices were no longer in vogue.
Complicating the matter further, NPR reported that most instances of corporal punishment occur with parental consent. The focal point of the story was Riverton High School in North Carolina, where Principal Jake Lawson stands as the only high school principal in the state who administers corporal punishment—with parental permission almost always secured.
Let’s pause to consider this: we’re talking about children aged 15 to 18 being summoned to the principal’s office for various offenses. One example cited was a sophomore who faced paddling as a consequence for a phone ringing in class. She was given the option of opting for paddling or attending in-school suspension. It felt surreal—like someone being reprimanded for an anachronistic offense in 2017. The girl chose paddling, with her father stating, “Just paddle her because here in the mountains, we do it the old-school way.”
While I won’t label this father as a bad parent or suggest that Riverton High operates like a scene from a bygone era, it’s evident that the majority of American schools have moved beyond this outdated practice. Contrary to claims you might hear on certain news outlets, we aren’t living in a chaotic society where youth run wild, reminiscent of Lord of the Flies.
Principal Lawson argues, “I think if more schools did it, we’d have a whole lot better society. I do believe that.” This stands in stark contrast to the scientific research indicating that corporal punishment correlates with higher dropout rates, increased depression, substance abuse, and more violent behaviors in the long run.
On a somewhat positive note, parents must provide consent for their children to be subjected to paddling. Personally, if a principal contacted me seeking permission to paddle my child, my response would be an emphatic “No.” I might even consider taking further action, such as filing a complaint or relocating to a different school district. However, that option may not be available for some families, especially in rural Southern areas where these practices are prevalent. If you find yourself in such a situation, make it abundantly clear that no one has permission to physically discipline your child.
In December, numerous organizations, including the National PTA and the American Academy of Pediatrics, co-signed a letter advocating for the abolition of corporal punishment. The letter emphasizes the need to eliminate this harmful practice and replace it with positive, evidence-based policies that foster a safe and conducive educational environment. Like those who endorsed this letter, I firmly believe that corporal punishment belongs in the annals of history.
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In summary, the continued practice of corporal punishment in schools is alarming and outdated. It’s essential for parents to advocate for their children’s rights and ensure they receive a nurturing and non-violent education.