Why Corporal Punishment in American Schools Should Be Banned

 

Student Research Paper by Esther Hutchins

        When engaging in a fistfight, there is always a possibility of being hit. Whether by choice or necessity, if you find yourself on the verge of physical conflict with someone, you essentially have three options: you can run away, fight back, or submit and accept defeat. While very few people would willingly choose the third option, there is one situation where a person has no choice but to yield to their aggressor: corporal punishment in schools. Many students, regardless of whether they have committed an offense, often find they are powerless to protect themselves from physical punishment. This situation is especially troubling given that teachers are older and in positions of authority, which can lead to the exploitation of vulnerable students. 

        Corporal punishment remains prevalent in public schools within the Mississippi Delta region today, despite court actions to get it banned (Bellaire and Dickason). Many people accept this practice simply because it has been a part of education for centuries. However, it is crucial to examine the facts and statistics regarding its effectiveness rather than blindly adhere to tradition. While corporal punishment may sometimes be viewed as necessary for disciplining children, its use in schools should be discouraged. The physical discipline of students poses a significant risk of child abuse, can create tension between teachers and students, and is rarely constructive or helpful.

        Corporal punishment has been a part of American schools since the founding of public schools. This long-standing tradition has become so ingrained that many have become desensitized to it. We often conclude erroneously that, since older generations experienced corporal punishment in school, the current generation should endure it as well. This thought is flawed for several reasons.

First, we cannot simply adopt the same beliefs and practices that older generations followed just because they have been around for a long time. If we did, we might still be condemning women who can swim as witches and burning them at the stake, or painting our watch dials with radium. Such practices were certainly harmful, and while corporal punishment may not carry the same weight, it is an outdated method that causes more problems than it solves.

        Another reason for abolishing corporal punishment in schools is the significant change in society over time. For instance, in the 1800s, approximately seventy percent of schools were located in small towns where everyone knew each other. Typically, school attendance averaged around thirty or forty students. Teachers often lived with students' families and could form strong bonds with children and their parents, allowing them to understand their home lives and how discipline was handled there. Finally, most of the schools had only one room where all the students studied together. This arrangement allowed older students to advocate for their younger peers if they felt they were being mistreated. Additionally, the fact that many of the teachers were young women provided an inherent protection against abuse and sexual assault, as it would have been much easier for the students to defend themselves than if it had been a man. From this perspective, corporal punishment in schools was more contextually appropriate and likely more effective.

Today, however, there are roughly thirteen thousand school districts in the United States, which sounds substantial until we consider that there are over seventy-one million, five hundred thousand children in grades kindergarten through twelfth (POP1 Child Population). This translates to about five thousand, five hundred children per school district. Given the vast number of students in modern classrooms, forming positive relationships between teachers and students is extremely challenging. It also makes it nearly impossible for teachers to gain insight into children’s home environments and how to effectively address their behavior in the classroom.

        In addition to being an outdated method, the use of corporal punishment in schools poses significant risks to students, putting them in danger of serious harm both physically and psychologically. The alarming case of 5-year-old Jalijah Smith serves as a striking example. His mother signed an opt-out form at the beginning of the school year, specifically stating that her son should not be subjected to any form of physical punishment. ("Should Teachers Use Corporal Punishment On Students? (HBO)" 2:53:00) However, despite this clear directive, her son was paddled for the seemingly innocuous act of sticking out his tongue at a teacher. This egregious violation of parental authority reflects a troubling trend in schools where the rights and safety of children and parents are often overlooked.

        When Jalijah's mother attempted to take action, reaching out to several politicians to seek accountability for the teacher's actions, she encountered significant barriers. (3:16:00) She was discouraged from filing charges due to the strong legal immunity afforded to educators in Texas concerning corporal punishment. This highlights a systemic issue where teachers are often shielded from the consequences of their actions, making it difficult for parents to seek justice. The superintendent of Jalijah's school district further admitted that opt-out forms are routinely ignored and rarely checked, rendering them ineffectual and contributing to a climate where corporal punishment can be meted out arbitrarily and without oversight. (3:59:00)

The problem is not isolated to one state. In Mississippi, another distressing incident involved a middle school student who was unjustly whipped. After being sent to the principal’s office, he returned to the classroom only to be sent back for "three more licks" because the teacher deemed his earlier punishment insufficient. (“A Violent Education”) The principal further escalated this situation by threatening to hit him harder each time he returned to his office. As a result, the boy suffered from severe bruising, rendering him unable to sit comfortably for over a week. (“A Violent Education”) This raises the critical question: is the fleeting convenience of corporal punishment worth the serious risks to children's health and safety? While a quick paddling might appear as a simple disciplinary measure, the potential for physical and emotional damage can be profound and long-lasting. 

        The practice of corporal punishment can also inadvertently normalize violence as an acceptable means of conflict resolution for students. Observing authoritative figures resort to hitting can create a dangerous precedent, leading children to believe that physical punishment is a legitimate response to disagreement or disobedience. This is a troubling thought for parents who strive to cultivate a nurturing environment at home, as they often worry that schools will desensitize their children to violence and instill in them an unsettling acceptance of abuse. A father in Mississippi visiting his son at school was concerned for him when he witnessed a young girl being beaten by a male teacher: “I didn’t want my own son to see, to know it was okay to hit little girls”  (“A Violent Education”).

        Though many initially associate corporal punishment with physical pain, it is imperative to recognize the more insidious and serious side effects that arise from such practices. Children who experience harsh physical punishment are found to be more likely to become abusive or violent ("Corporal Punishment and Health"). Furthermore, for older students, especially, the experience can be extremely humiliating, compounding feelings of shame and resentment. Teachers often administer these punishments publicly, in front of peers, making humiliation part of the disciplinary process. This not only damages the student-teacher relationship but can also diminish a child's willingness to engage with their educators, fostering an environment of resentment rather than respect.

        Research has shown that students in the Mississippi Delta region who endure corporal punishment tend to have lower GPAs and poorer cognitive health overall. Former student Trey Clayton's poignant narrative sheds light on the emotional toll of such measures. Despite being an academically strong student, Trey encountered a life-altering moment when he was punished for speaking loudly in the school library. After a brief conversation with the principal, he lost consciousness and woke up disoriented and injured, his last memory being walking out of the office in front of the principal. His jaw was broken, and he had to have surgery ("Consequences of Corporal Punishment" 1:24:00). Subsequently, he missed crucial exams and needed to repeat the eighth grade. The physical injuries he suffered and the emotional scars left him disillusioned with schooling altogether, ultimately leading him to drop out without graduating. (2:03:00) This illustrates how corporal punishment not only disrupts academic success but can also extinguish a student’s love for learning.

        In light of these troubling accounts, it is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of corporal punishment in schools. Advocates of such measures often claim that they instill discipline and obedience. However, as Coley Local Republican Representative Scott Cepicky articulates, even though he was paddled as a child and understood the punishment at the time, he firmly believes corporal punishment should be banned in schools. ("Corporal Punishment in Tennessee Schools" 2:16:00) He argues that discipline should rest with parents, who are best suited to explain inappropriate behaviors and provide context for consequences. In a home environment, discussions can be held to illuminate the reasons behind misbehavior and to develop a more constructive form of discipline. When misconduct goes unpunished at home, students are left confused when faced with the disciplinary measures of school, which can lead to further behavioral issues.

        The use of corporal punishment in modern schools is clearly harmful to society, yet it has persisted for an extended period. One reason for this longevity is its historical prevalence; corporal punishment has been practiced within the U.S. for centuries, ingraining itself into the fabric of our educational system. However, the primary reason it has not been abolished can be traced to the widespread dehumanization of students, which fosters an environment where such harmful practices can thrive. 

A group of dedicated teachers and professors, committed to ending corporal punishment, conducted thorough research to uncover why this practice remains so widely accepted in educational institutions. Their investigation revealed a shocking disregard for the humanity of students. In official school district documents, those who misbehave are rarely referred to with the term "children." Instead, disheartening labels such as "delinquents" or "disruptive individuals" are often employed (“How Corporal Punishment Is Used in U.S. Schools”). This choice of language reflects a troubling mindset that diminishes the very essence of childhood and obscures the needs and rights of young people.

        Furthermore, the systems in place to protect educators who administer punishment are quite robust, in stark contrast with the lack of protection for the children subjected to physical harm (“How Corporal Punishment Is Used in U.S. Schools”). This imbalance indicates a broader societal failure to prioritize the welfare of students, allowing for a culture of violence and fear to persist in school environments. 

This troubling refusal to acknowledge students as children is undoubtedly one of the main reasons that physical punishment continues to be accepted in schools in the Southwest. This dehumanization fosters an environment where it becomes increasingly easy for educators to justify their actions, often under the guise of discipline. 

        Another significant reason why corporal punishment continues to be practiced in some schools is that many parents have neglected their responsibility to nurture and raise their children adequately. In today’s fast-paced world, some parents often rely heavily on the education system to take on the dual role of teaching academic content and instilling moral values. While schools play a vital role in a child's education, they cannot fully substitute for the loving guidance and individualized attention that parents provide. When parents expect teachers and schools to manage all aspects of a child’s upbringing, it can lead to a disconnect between the home and school environments. Consequently, parents might find it unrealistic to expect that their children will be treated in exactly the way they would prefer—or that schools can implement disciplinary methods that align with their values and expectations. Ultimately, it is essential for parents to take an active role in their children’s upbringing. By purposefully engaging more in their children’s lives and being clear about their values and expectations, they can foster a more harmonious partnership with educators and cultivate an environment that emphasizes positive discipline over punitive measures.

        Ultimately, while there may be isolated instances where corporal punishment appears effective, its application in modern schools is overwhelmingly detrimental. The risks— ranging from physical injury and psychological harm to the erosion of trust between students and teachers— are far greater than any perceived benefits. Diverse, non-violent discipline methods are not only more effective in promoting positive behavior in school, but also foster an educational environment built on mutual respect and understanding rather than fear and humiliation. With effective alternatives available and proven successful, it is time to reconsider and abandon the practice of corporal punishment in favor of more appropriate and constructive approaches to discipline in our schools.

        Corporal punishment is one of many issues facing America’s education system today, and some may claim its severity does not require a ban. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that it is a more significant issue than it appears. Not only does corporal punishment contribute to the prevalence of child abuse and create unnecessary conflict between students and teachers, but it also drives a wedge between families. While the education system has numerous faults, addressing the home environment of students could be a more effective approach to reducing corporal punishment. Suppose families make a concerted effort to spend quality time together, communicate openly about their issues, and work through conflicts. Children could grow in maturity and learn to deal with conflict in a thoughtful manner. In that case, misbehaving children will be rare, resulting in less cause for any sort of punishment whatsoever, and a ban may not even be needed.

       Works Cited

Bellaire, John , and Christine Dickason. "Corporal Punishment in K-12 Public Schools: Where   

2Does It Stand in 2024?" Bellwether, 19 Nov. 2024, 

bellwether.org/blog/corporal-punishment-in-public-schools/.

“Consequences of Corporal Punishment: School Paddling Victim Tells His Story." YouTube, uploaded by EdW, 24 Aug. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=NILdAszpDR4. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

"Corporal Punishment and Health." World Health Organization, 23 Nov. 2021, 

www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/corporal-punishment-and-health.

 "Corporal Punishment in Tennessee Schools." YouTube, uploaded by WKRN News 2, 11 May 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPws9IJh90Y. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

"How Corporal Punishment Is Used in U.S. Schools—And How to Stop It." MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, 1 May 2024, edwp.educ.msu.edu/news/2024/how-corporal-punishment-is-used-in-u-s-schools-and-how-to-stop-it/.

“POP1 Child Population: Number of Children (in Millions) Ages 0–17 in the United States by Age, 1950–2022 and Projected 2023–2050.” ChildStats.Gov, Nov. 2023, https://www.childstats.gov/AMERICASCHILDREN/tables/pop1.asp. 

“Should Teachers Use Corporal Punishment On Students? (HBO)” YouTube, uploaded by VICE

News, 9 October 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fXmRPZDHPc. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

“A Violent Education: Corporal Punishment of Children in US Public Schools: VI. Impact of Corporal Punishment.” Human Rights Watch, http://www.hrw.org/reports/2008/us0808/6.htm. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.