Discipline can be a challenging concept to teach. While some children adapt to it more readily, others struggle quite a bit. Schools often think that discipline is primarily the responsibility of parents. However, one Texas school has decided to take a different approach due to numerous discipline issues. They’ve chosen to reintroduce an old-fashioned method: corporal punishment, specifically paddling.
The Texas Classroom Teacher Association defines corporal punishment as the deliberate infliction of pain to instill discipline. Paddling involves using a wooden paddle to strike disobedient children, a method that was once commonplace. This practice was often reserved for particularly naughty students and used as a last resort when detention or suspension did not work.
This decision has sparked varied reactions among parents. Some fully support the move, while others are horrified at the idea of teachers hitting students. Concerns include the fear that students might develop a dislike for school or that paddling could turn into abuse. Recognizing these concerns, the Three Rivers Independent School District in Texas allows parents to opt in. Parents must provide written and verbal consent for their children to be paddled. Should any parent become uncomfortable with the practice, their child is immediately exempted from it. Usually, it is the parents who practice paddling at home that welcome its use at school, believing it creates consistency that encourages better behavior.
The use of paddling as a disciplinary measure is on the rise again, with 27 school districts now adopting it. However, opposition exists. John B. King Jr., the Secretary of Education, is a leading voice against paddling. In a letter advocating for the ban of such practices, he highlights concerning statistics. According to King, around 40,000 students subjected to corporal punishment are black, a stark contrast considering black students constitute only 16 percent of the public school population. Black boys are 1.8 times more likely than white boys to receive corporal punishment, whereas black girls are 2.9 times more likely than their white counterparts.
Despite these statistics, schools that reintroduced paddling argue that prejudice or discrimination doesn’t play a role in their decision. According to them, paddling is simply a method to teach children the importance of good behavior in school.
