The Complex Reality of Corporal Punishment in U.S. Schools
In the heart of the United States, corporal punishment remains a divisive issue in schools. Despite its decline over the years, this form of discipline continues to persist in certain areas, sparking debates about its effectiveness and ethical implications.
Years ago, Tessa Davis received a call from her son’s kindergarten in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her son had been accused of twisting a girl’s jacket, leading to the school offering two disciplinary options: a three-day suspension or a paddling by a school administrator. Davis, unable to miss work, reluctantly chose the latter, a decision she would later regret.
“I just remember feeling like instant regret,” Davis said. Following the incident, her son, known as C, became fearful of returning to school, expressing concerns about getting hurt.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry defines corporal punishment as actions causing pain or discomfort in response to misconduct. Although widely criticized by psychologists for its potential harm, federal law does not prohibit its use in public schools, leaving the decision to states and local districts.
Recent data from the U.S. Department of Education indicates nearly 32,000 instances of corporal punishment in the 2021-’22 school year, affecting roughly 1 in every 2,000 students. Arkansas, where C resides, reports some of the highest rates of corporal punishment, second only to Mississippi.
Currently, 15 states permit corporal punishment in schools, though local bans exist. Meanwhile, 30 states and Washington, D.C., have legislated against it.
Morgan Craven of the Intercultural Development Research Association notes that in some Southern communities, corporal punishment is intertwined with cultural and faith-based traditions. “There is this belief that corporal punishment…is not harmful at all,” she explained. Yet, many communities are challenging these norms, advocating for non-violent disciplinary methods.
“The spankings never made the behavior stop”
Davis, who was raised with corporal punishment, initially believed it was an acceptable method of discipline. However, she observed that it exacerbated her son’s behavioral issues rather than resolving them. Consequently, Davis and her husband ceased using corporal punishment, both at home and in school, and began advocating against its practice.
Today, C is a vibrant 13-year-old with a passion for dance. Though he occasionally struggles with his emotions, Davis believes he has learned to manage them better without the threat of physical punishment.
What the data shows
The federal data reveals not only the prevalence of corporal punishment but also its disproportionate impact on certain student demographics. Boys, particularly those who are white, Black, or Native American, are more likely to experience such punishment, according to an analysis of data from the 2020-’21 school year.
The negative impacts of corporal punishment
Joan Durrant, a child developmental psychologist, asserts that corporal punishment can instill dishonesty and aggression in children, teaching them that violence is a solution to conflict. Research supports the link between corporal punishment and increased aggression, as well as long-term issues such as anxiety and depression.
“You’re at a disadvantage” when a child knows they can’t be spanked
Conversely, Randy Randleman, a psychologist based in Oklahoma, argues that corporal punishment can deter misbehavior. He believes it should remain an option, though only as a last resort and carefully administered.
What corporal punishment looks like in one district
In Warner Public Schools, Oklahoma, Superintendent David Vinson supports the discretionary use of corporal punishment, emphasizing its role as a deterrent. While rare, the threat alone often discourages infractions, he noted. Warner Elementary Principal Alan Gordon, who employs paddling infrequently, insists it’s about responsible discipline rather than abuse.
Ultimately, the debate over corporal punishment in schools continues, with advocates on both sides highlighting the need for balance between discipline and student well-being.
