Using corporal punishment to discipline children has beendebated for decades, especially in Indiana, one of 22 states thatallows public school officials to spank students.
Though the punishment option is used only if the child's parentsgive permission, the disciplinary method is still questionable.School officials suspended two teachers this month whoadministrators said were involved in paddling six 9 year-old boys,according to the Associated Press. One child was treated forbruises and swelling.
The state allows action that uses "reasonable" physical force.The word reasonable is subjective. One educator could consider afew light taps as reasonable force, while another will not stopuntil there are bruises or other injuries.
Parents are given the chance to object, but many parents wouldassume that educational disciplinary action would not requiremedical attention for their child.
Paddling some children, but not others, creates a separation ofpunishment. If two children are caught breaking the same rule, onemight get punished in a non-corporal way, and the other might bepaddled. This leaves children confused and might create furtherproblems for the individual students.
Not every parent disciplines their children the same way.However, their discipline occurs in the home, independent of otherchildren and families. By punishing children in different ways inan educational environment, the school sends the message that ithas no standard for punishment.
This is where parents must assume more responsibility for theirchildren's actions. Not every parent takes the time to disciplinetheir children. Some parents might discipline their children usingmethods that the state or other parents deem abusive.
Allowing corporal punishment in schools creates a thin linebetween where the school's disciplinary jurisdiction ends and theparents' begins. Keeping this method from being an option willallow students to remain as equal as possible in the schoolsetting.
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