Paddling still prevalent in many states
Corporal punishment in school continues in 20 states, particularly the South, according to child advocates. The New York Times today gives a great overview of the issue of spanking in schools, including the stories of a few students who were hit so hard they had to be hospitalized. One boy is Mississippi was paddled so hard that he passed out, breaking his jaw in the fall.
The practice of paddling disobedient students, relatively commonplace 25 years ago, is slowly dying off. Just this week, the New Mexico legislature passed a bill that would outlaw corporal punishment, but it’s unclear whether the governor will sign it into law. Many traditionalists argue that paddling still has a place in instilling discipline students and controlling behavior. What do you think?
Comments
April 1, 2011 at 7:54 pm by Carla TheriaultPerhaps we should analyze the results of both sides of the spectrum. It’s never okay to cause such damage to a child that they are no longer learing the lesson intended, but when we refrain from a discipline (whatever that may be) which effectively teaches a lesson, the lesson is as well, not learned. The goal should be clear- to raise a child in a healthy environment that promotes growth, and understanding, on the child’s part. I am a survivor of child abuse, and while I disagree with abuse, I would not have wanted to grow up without a real fear of consequences either. There must be a balance. Are we employing that balance with corporal punishment or not? Let the results speak for themselves, perhaps?
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