- AuthorReed Hepler
Reed Hepler received an M.L.I.S. from IUPUI, with emphases in Digital Curation and Archives Management. He received a Bachelor’s in History from USU, with minors in Religious Studies and Anthropology. He also earned a Certificate in Museum Studies. He has worked in museums, libraries, archives, and historical sites for the past four years.
View bio - InstructorGary Gilles
Gary has a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and has been teaching and developing courses in higher education since 1988.
View bio
Explore corporal punishment in schools. Learn the definition of corporal punishment and understand its pros and cons. Discover examples of corporal punishment.Updated: 02/01/2022
Table of Contents
- What is Corporal Punishment in Schools?
- Types of Corporal Punishment
- Examples of Corporal Punishment
- Pros and Cons of Corporal Punishment
- Corporal Punishment Guidelines
- Corporal Punishment Prevalence
- Lesson Summary
What is Corporal Punishment in Schools?
Corporal punishment is physical punishment administered by teachers and other educational administrators to students. This is given to enforce school rules when they are disobeyed.
What does corporal punishment mean? The word ''corporal,'' when used as an adjective, means ''of the body.'' This type of punishment directly involves the body of the person being punished in an intense type of pain.
What is Corporal Punishment in Schools?
Corporal punishment in school refers to disciplinary action that is physical in nature and delivered by teachers or school administrators as punishment for some type of student misbehavior. Examples of corporal punishment include:
- spanking (usually with an object such as a paddle or stick)
- slapping (on the face or hands is most common)
- pinching (anywhere on the body)
The corporal punishment might be applied in the classroom in front of other students or privately in the principal's office. Though some abhor the use of corporal punishment in schools, there are still many people who believe that corporal punishment has a rightful place in the educational system.
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Types of Corporal Punishment
There are many different types of corporal punishment, including slapping, paddling, and pinching. These three will be discussed below. There are also many other forms of corporal punishment, and the preferred form of corporal punishment varies according to the dominant culture in a country or region of a country.
Slapping
Slapping involves intense, direct contact of the punisher's hand with the victim's body. It can be done on any part of the body, but it is most often performed on the face.
Paddling
Paddling occurs when a flat surface (usually wood, stone, or metal) is used to hit the back or posterior side of the victim. Usually, a wooden paddle is used.
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Pinching
Pinching involves squeezing a part of the victim's body, usually with the fingers but occasionally with other implements. This can leave indentations on the victim's body.
Examples of Corporal Punishment
There are many examples of corporal punishment and its applications. It originated as a form of punishment to be used in an educational setting, and it expanded to home use and in other contexts.
Examples of the application of corporal punishment include:
- A teacher spanks a child who has been speaking out of turn.
- A teacher slaps a child who destroyed their desk and made a mess of the classroom.
Pros and Cons of Corporal Punishment
While corporal punishment was used for many decades to control students in educational contexts, it has been noted that corporal punishment can cause significant negative outcomes for the relationship between the teachers and their students, as well as in other facets of the student's life, such as their home life.
Pros of Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment was practiced for a long time in the educational system of the United States because it was believed to curb disciplinary problems remarkably fast. Also, it allowed the teacher directly involved in the classroom to punish children swiftly and effectively without involving administration. This was especially helpful in classrooms in which the ratio of teachers to students was one to forty.
Cons of Corporal Punishment
While the positive effects, or alleged positive effects, of corporal punishment, were known for decades, eventually it went out of favor. Various studies show that corporal punishments influence the onset of various negative aspects such as depression or anxiety.
Other negative effects of corporal punishment include:
- Corporal punishment is disproportionately applied to students of various minority groups, including black students and students that have disabilities. This serves to further disenfranchise these communities.
- Corporal punishment can lead to a rise in bullying by students on other students. They justify this action by stating that since teachers and other authority figures deal with deviant behavior using physical punishment, they should be able to as well
- Corporal punishment can lead to an increased rate of children dropping out of school. Children do not want to be in an environment that they deem unsafe, and parents especially do not want harm to come to their children.
- Corporal punishment influences children to increase their aggressive behavior. When children are faced with physical threats, they will eventually fight back. Corporal punishment at school can also increase aggressiveness in the home and in other social settings.
- Corporal punishment encourages children to have low self-esteem. The effects of physical punishment on the bodies of children last long after the offense has been committed. The possible effects of corporal punishment on the psychological state of the students can last even longer. If children are in constant physical pain and associate that with them having poor behavior, they will constantly feel bad about themselves.
- Corporal punishment can possibly cause lasting physical pain on the body of the victim.
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Another significant negative aspect of corporal punishment is that it can trigger a chain of corporal punishment. For example, those who experience corporal punishment in their childhood or youth are likely to use that form of punishment when dealing with unruly children themselves. Other forms of punishment in the classroom include suspension, detention, or extra coursework. These also are intended to curb bad behavior, although they are admittedly not as swift as corporal punishment. Nor are they over so quickly. They also require teachers to put extra work in to oversee the punishment. However, virtually none of the negative consequences of corporal punishment are present in these alternative measures.
Corporal Punishment Guidelines
Today, when corporal punishment is used teachers must follow rigid guidelines. These ensure that children and families cannot accuse teachers or schools of corporal abuse. Educators will be able to point to the guidelines as justification for their actions.
Important aspects of the guidelines include:
- Accountability and witnesses: Some regulations such as those by St. Mary Parish in Louisiana state that corporal punishment can only be administered ''in the presence of a second school official.''
- Extensive records of the incident must be sent to parents, the principal, other administrators, and the teacher for safekeeping.
- A provision against using corporal punishment in a deliberate effort to cause physical harm to a student.
Corporal Punishment Prevalence
Today, corporal punishment is not used in many schools. Most educational systems believe that corporal punishment contributes to negative effects on students and that it should be avoided. Most of the states that approve of corporal punishment are in the South region of the United States. In fact, most of the states in the Union (31) ban corporal punishment in public schools. Also, New Jersey and Iowa ban corporal punishment in private schools. New Jersey, in fact, was the first state to ban corporal punishment and did so in 1867.
Lesson Summary
Corporal punishment is the physical punishment of students by teachers when students have disobeyed a class rule. The major forms of corporal punishment are slapping, paddling, and pinching. Corporal punishment can be used in a variety of ways and settings.
The pros of corporal punishment include:
- Corporal punishment is a swift way to end deviant behavior.
- Corporal punishment is an easy way for teachers to instill order in a large classroom
- Corporal punishment, at least in the beginning, was an easy punishment to mete out without involving administration or other teachers.
The cons of corporal punishment include:
- Corporal punishment is disproportionately applied to students of various minority groups, including black students and students that have disabilities.
- Corporal punishment can lead to a rise in bullying by students on other students.
- Corporal punishment can lead to an increased rate of children dropping out of school.
- Corporal punishment influences children to increase their aggressive behavior.
- Corporal punishment can cause students to feel low self-esteem.
- Corporal punishment can possibly cause lasting physical pain on the body of the victim.
While corporal punishment used to be widely practiced throughout the United States, it is not used broadly anymore. Most of the states that use corporal punishment on a regular basis are in the South region of the United States. Teachers that use corporal punishment in their classrooms are expected to follow strict rules and regulations. New Jersey was the first state to ban corporal punishment when it made it illegal in 1867. Thirty-one states in the United States ban corporal punishment in a public education context, and New Jersey and Iowa have even banned corporal punishment in private schooling.
How Prevalent is Corporal Punishment in Schools?
The first state to ban corporal punishment in the United States was New Jersey in 1867. But it took 104 years for a second state to follow suit. Currently, there are 31 states that have banned the use of corporal punishment in publicly funded schools. Of the 19 states that do still permit corporal punishment, most are geographically located in the southern U.S.
Private schools are exempt from the ban on corporal punishment, except in New Jersey and Iowa. However, the majority of private schools choose not to employ corporal punishment. The private schools that do tend to use corporal punishment are also mostly located in the southern states of the U.S.
Practice of Corporal Punishment
Where corporal punishment is practiced, whether in public or private schools, the specific type of punishment allowed is usually written out in some form of official document. The information in this document could include the type of punishment allowed (e.g., paddling), the number of strokes that can be given, who among the school staff are authorized to deliver the punishment and whether parents must first give their permission before punishment can be delivered to their child. These guidelines help school personnel to keep their punishment consistent and in line with school policy and also informs parents of what their child might incur if their actions merit discipline.
Many schools with corporal punishment guidelines also offer parents the option to 'opt-out' of the corporal system. Some schools even offer the student a choice of whether to submit to corporal punishment or receive an alternate form of discipline, such as suspension or detention.
Pros and Cons of Corporal Punishment
Those who advocate for corporal punishment in schools believe that it is an effective and immediate way to curb discipline problems in the classroom. It also sends a strong message to the other children that there are swift and uncomfortable consequences for misbehavior in the school environment.
A second argument in favor of corporal punishment is that it enables the student to receive the punishment and then get on with the task of learning. When alternative forms of discipline are used, such as suspension or detention, the learning process can be disrupted for a prolonged period of time. Suspensions or detentions can also require a significant amount of staff time to supervise and manage.
Those who are against corporal punishment in school point to research that shows an association between this disciplinary approach and several negative outcomes such as poor school performance, increased dropout rate, low self-esteem, aggressive behavior and bullying.
Most who are opposed to corporal punishment in the schools would agree that discipline in the classroom is necessary but that other forms, such as loss of privileges, extra assignments and individual counseling are more effective and less disruptive to the learning process.
Lesson Summary
Corporal punishment in school refers to disciplinary action taken by teachers or school administrators in response to some type of student misbehavior. Corporal punishment might include spanking, slapping or pinching, although it is most commonly applied by hitting the buttocks with a paddle. Currently, 31 states have banned corporal punishment and of the ones that do allow it, most are located in the southern U.S. Private schools are exempt from the ban, except in New Jersey and Iowa. Most schools that practice corporal punishment provide guidelines as to how the physical discipline will be administered. Advocates of corporal punishment believe that it provides a quick consequence for misbehavior and enhances the learning process. Those against corporal punishment point to research that associates it with poor academic performance and higher rates of aggression and suggest less punitive forms of discipline.
Quick Fact Sheet
- Corporal punishment is the physical disciplinary action in schools taken by school teachers or administrators against students who have misbehaved.
- It took 104 years for the second state to ban corporal punishment after New Jersey banned it in 1867.
- Southern states are the majority of the remaining states that allow corporal punishment
- Most of the time the guidelines for the use of corporal punishment are written out, and often parents can opt out.
- Proponents argue it is a punishment that allows the student to not miss out on education.
- Opponents argue physical punishment is not necessary and other non-physical punishments are just as effective.
Lesson Outcomes
After viewing this lesson, you should be able to:
- Define corporal punishment
- List pros and cons of using it in school
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
What is Corporal Punishment in Schools?
Corporal punishment in school refers to disciplinary action that is physical in nature and delivered by teachers or school administrators as punishment for some type of student misbehavior. Examples of corporal punishment include:
- spanking (usually with an object such as a paddle or stick)
- slapping (on the face or hands is most common)
- pinching (anywhere on the body)
The corporal punishment might be applied in the classroom in front of other students or privately in the principal's office. Though some abhor the use of corporal punishment in schools, there are still many people who believe that corporal punishment has a rightful place in the educational system.
How Prevalent is Corporal Punishment in Schools?
The first state to ban corporal punishment in the United States was New Jersey in 1867. But it took 104 years for a second state to follow suit. Currently, there are 31 states that have banned the use of corporal punishment in publicly funded schools. Of the 19 states that do still permit corporal punishment, most are geographically located in the southern U.S.
Private schools are exempt from the ban on corporal punishment, except in New Jersey and Iowa. However, the majority of private schools choose not to employ corporal punishment. The private schools that do tend to use corporal punishment are also mostly located in the southern states of the U.S.
Practice of Corporal Punishment
Where corporal punishment is practiced, whether in public or private schools, the specific type of punishment allowed is usually written out in some form of official document. The information in this document could include the type of punishment allowed (e.g., paddling), the number of strokes that can be given, who among the school staff are authorized to deliver the punishment and whether parents must first give their permission before punishment can be delivered to their child. These guidelines help school personnel to keep their punishment consistent and in line with school policy and also informs parents of what their child might incur if their actions merit discipline.
Many schools with corporal punishment guidelines also offer parents the option to 'opt-out' of the corporal system. Some schools even offer the student a choice of whether to submit to corporal punishment or receive an alternate form of discipline, such as suspension or detention.
Pros and Cons of Corporal Punishment
Those who advocate for corporal punishment in schools believe that it is an effective and immediate way to curb discipline problems in the classroom. It also sends a strong message to the other children that there are swift and uncomfortable consequences for misbehavior in the school environment.
A second argument in favor of corporal punishment is that it enables the student to receive the punishment and then get on with the task of learning. When alternative forms of discipline are used, such as suspension or detention, the learning process can be disrupted for a prolonged period of time. Suspensions or detentions can also require a significant amount of staff time to supervise and manage.
Those who are against corporal punishment in school point to research that shows an association between this disciplinary approach and several negative outcomes such as poor school performance, increased dropout rate, low self-esteem, aggressive behavior and bullying.
Most who are opposed to corporal punishment in the schools would agree that discipline in the classroom is necessary but that other forms, such as loss of privileges, extra assignments and individual counseling are more effective and less disruptive to the learning process.
Lesson Summary
Corporal punishment in school refers to disciplinary action taken by teachers or school administrators in response to some type of student misbehavior. Corporal punishment might include spanking, slapping or pinching, although it is most commonly applied by hitting the buttocks with a paddle. Currently, 31 states have banned corporal punishment and of the ones that do allow it, most are located in the southern U.S. Private schools are exempt from the ban, except in New Jersey and Iowa. Most schools that practice corporal punishment provide guidelines as to how the physical discipline will be administered. Advocates of corporal punishment believe that it provides a quick consequence for misbehavior and enhances the learning process. Those against corporal punishment point to research that associates it with poor academic performance and higher rates of aggression and suggest less punitive forms of discipline.
Quick Fact Sheet
- Corporal punishment is the physical disciplinary action in schools taken by school teachers or administrators against students who have misbehaved.
- It took 104 years for the second state to ban corporal punishment after New Jersey banned it in 1867.
- Southern states are the majority of the remaining states that allow corporal punishment
- Most of the time the guidelines for the use of corporal punishment are written out, and often parents can opt out.
- Proponents argue it is a punishment that allows the student to not miss out on education.
- Opponents argue physical punishment is not necessary and other non-physical punishments are just as effective.
Lesson Outcomes
After viewing this lesson, you should be able to:
- Define corporal punishment
- List pros and cons of using it in school
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
What are the types of corporal punishment?
There are many different types of corporal punishment in the world, and they vary from country to country. In the United States, the most common forms of corporal punishment are slapping, paddling, and pinching.
Why is corporal punishment used in schools?
Corporal punishment is used in schools to maintain order and rule-following in the classroom. Teachers use it in especially large classrooms.
What is considered corporal punishment in school?
Corporal punishment is the reasonable application of force to a person's physical body. This is meant to deter class members from breaking class rules.
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