Corporal Punishment In Schools And How It Affects Children

In schools, teachers and administrators may choose to implement various disciplinary strategies to manage student behavior. The different types of discipline can range from punitive measures, such as suspension and expulsion, to restorative measures, such as behavioral interventions and restorative justice programs. Among the different types of punitive measures, one of the most concerning and controversial is corporal punishment. 

There is no information supporting the idea that removing corporal punishment from schools creates a statewide permissive environment where students behave poorly. In fact, some research suggests it may contribute to behavior problems, stating, “physical punishment predicts an increase in behavior problems over time.”

It can be helpful to explore more about corporal punishment, how it can impact children, and alternative school discipline approaches. You can also look at several tips to support and guide your child’s behavior. 

What is corporal punishment, and do us schools allow it?

As defined by the US Department of Education, illicit corporal punishment refers to “the practice of paddling, spanking, or otherwise imposing physical punishment and physical discipline on students.” According to a report by the National Education Association, as of 2024, corporal punishment remains legal in 17 states and is practiced in 14, even though the World Health Organization refers to it as “a violation of children’s rights to respect for physical integrity and human dignity, health, development, education and freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” The American Medical Association “supports the abolition of corporal punishment in schools” and the American Academy of Pediatrics called to prohibit corporal punishment in 2023. Other groups advocating to end corporal punishment in schools include the National Association of School Counselors and the American Psychological Association.

Common discipline approaches used in classrooms and schools

School personnel may approach discipline in many ways. Most approaches aim to address negative school behaviors by redirecting rather than punishing. For example, when students disrupt class or use inappropriate language, teachers generally begin with the least restrictive response and escalate when necessary. Some common discipline approaches can include: 

• Verbal warnings
• Loss of privileges
• Parent contact
• Detention
• Suspension
• Expulsion

What corporal punishment means in a school setting

In the school setting, corporal punishment may refer to consequences that deliberately inflict physical pain. Corporal punishment typically involves physical punishment imposed by school staff, such as slapping, spanking, or other physical force.

How punishment affects children

How schools discipline students can have consequences that extend far beyond the classroom. Corporal punishment can have unintended negative consequences that can shape their emotional and psychological development in various ways.

Short-term vs long-term outcomes

Punishment may get results in the short term, but in the long run, its effects can be concerning. Research suggests that after corporal punishment, in some cases, youth fail to meet their academic potential. Plus, students who experience harsh or frequent discipline are more likely to develop mental health problems or may disengage from school.

Impacts on adolescent development and adolescent health

The impacts of school punishment can be particularly significant during the teen years and have a profound impact on adolescent development. Experts in adolescent psychiatry and adolescent health warn that excessive punishment can worsen existing vulnerabilities and increase the risks of long-term social and emotional challenges.

Corporal punishment and the law: State and federal policy

In 1977, the United States Supreme Court ruled that corporal punishment in public schools did not fall within the scope of the “cruel and unusual punishments” and that students were not protected by the Eighth Amendment. As a result, there is no policy by the federal government and no federal laws regulating punishment in school, leaving it up to the individual states to determine if corporal punishment is legally permitted.

Where it is legally permitted and what policies shape it

The following states still allow corporal punishment: 

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Arizona
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Wyoming

In states where corporal punishment is permitted, each individual school district can adopt its own policies around the practice, which may mean that whether or not a school engages in corporal punishment ultimately depends on zip codes. School type may also play a role. For example, charter schools may have greater autonomy and less oversight than public schools.

Disability status and school discipline

Students who are disabled make up about 13% of public school students but account for about 16.5% of corporal punishment incidents, and when considering gender and disability status combined, boys with disabilities are among the most frequently disciplined. 

Civil rights considerations

School discipline is commonly seen as a civil rights issue, as data suggests there are racial disparities between how most corporal punishment is applied to black and white children. Of students who were spanked or paddled in public schools, 37.3% of them are Black, even though Black students make up only 15.3% of the student population in public schools. By comparison, 50.4% of corporally punished students are white, though white students make up 47.3% of the public school population.

Reporting

To monitor whether discipline in schools is distributed fairly, there are three federal laws designed to address these disparities: The Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Together, these laws may impact the level of discrimination in programs receiving federal funding and limit how schools can discipline students with disabilities.

When school punishment becomes harmful or abusive

While most school discipline is meant to correct behavior, in some cases, corporal punishment can cross the line and cause physical or psychological harm. 

When corporal punishment can resemble child abuse

The line between punishment and child abuse may not always be clear. As mentioned above, in many states, criminal law grants schools permission to use physical force to control children, as it is not considered cruel and unusual punishment. However, when school punishment leaves marks or bruises, causes injury, or is used repeatedly, it may cross the line. Research has repeatedly suggested that corporal punishment increases the risk for physical abuse.

Signs a child may need medical treatment after an incident

Parents or school staff should consider medical attention for a child if any of the following are present:

• Visible injuries
• Ongoing pain
• Sudden behavior changes
• Anxiety
• Withdrawal
• NIghtmares
• Reluctance to return to school

You may also want to consider documenting and reporting any incident that is severe enough to require medical attention.

Alternatives that support behavior change without harm

Given the harmful effects of corporal punishment in schools, even if your state or school districts have not banned corporal punishment, it can be crucial to explore alternative methods for handling disciplinary issues with effective discipline in educational settings to ensure school safety. Included below are a few alternatives.

School-wide behavioral initiatives

School-wide initiatives such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) have gained significant traction and support as an effective way to support students’ behavior and overall well-being. These initiatives are an alternative for those who don’t want to experience the impacts of school corporal punishment in their communities.

PBIS is an evidence-based approach to teaching behavioral expectations and supporting students, and it involves tiered levels of support in efforts to improve outcomes throughout the entire school. 

Restorative justice programs

Restorative justice programs focus on building community and creating solutions for everyone involved after unwanted behaviors occur. Restorative justice can include various practices to cultivate community, such as “classroom circles” or “peace circles” that aim to create a school and classroom community built upon kindness. 

Behavior management

One of the lessons young children often learn in their first few years of school is how to be around people who aren’t their family members. Classroom behavior management teaches clear and consistent behavioral expectations and consequences, promoting a stronger connection and relationship between students, school leaders, school administrators, educators, and peers.

Violence prevention programs

Preventing school violence often starts with creating an educational culture by correcting misbehavior in healthy, productive ways while teaching appropriate behavior and the coping skills necessary to manage challenging situations. 

Effective violence prevention programs often include the following: 

• Clear behavioral expectations and guidelines with consistent, incremental consequences
• Programming centered on student self-esteem and success
• Educators seeking student input on disciplinary rules
• Developing a systematic approach for prevention, intervention, and resolution, with all staff trained in procedures
• Enforcing the school rules consistently, with fairness and a calm, patient attitude
• Providing realistic opportunities for all students to succeed
• Classroom monitoring that prevents off-task behavior and disruptions while providing additional help for any students who may be having trouble and occupying those who finish early

What parents and caregivers can do

When a child experiences punishment at school, parents and caregivers can play an important role in caring for the child’s mental and physical health, as well as asking the right questions and understanding their rights.

Questions to ask the school and how to document incidents

Parents can request information from school leaders, like elementary and secondary school principals or guidance counselors, including a copy of the schools’ discipline policy and whether the schools collect discipline data. Keep detailed written records of every incident, including dates, descriptions of what occurred, witnesses, and the effects on your child. You can also request written responses from the school. If you feel that your child has been mistreated, you can file a formal complaint against the school or school district and reach out to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. 

Supporting a child emotionally after punishment at school

Children who experience harsh punishment or perceived discrimination at school may internalize feelings of shame or fear, particularly if they were singled out unfairly. Parents and caregivers should look out for signs of mental health problems, like anxiety, withdrawal, changes in sleep or eating patterns, or reluctance to attend school. Have an open, honest conversation with your child that allows the child to process what happened, and avoid minimizing their experience. Avoid minimizing their experience, and contact a mental health professional for more support.

Support options 

Discipline can be challenging for some parents, especially if behavioral problems occur at school. If you’re experiencing these challenges, connecting with a trained therapist may help. A therapist can guide you as a parent or caregiver, teaching you valuable parenting skills like communication, conflict resolution, and helpful tips for discipline to help you relate to your child as you guide and support them.

However, for some busy parents, finding the time for therapy can be challenging, given the many commitments they already have. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be a convenient option, as it can eliminate the need for a commute by allowing you to connect with a licensed therapist wherever you have internet. 

Research has also demonstrated that online therapy can be as effective as face-to-face therapy for a wide range of issues, including parenting concerns in some situations.

Beyond seeking therapy for themselves, some parents and guardians may decide that their child would benefit from online therapy to help them work through any underlying emotional concerns that may be leading to behavioral troubles. For online treatment for children ages 13 to 19, platforms like TeenCounseling may be valuable.