Discipline can be a tricky concept to instill in children. While some kids take it in stride, others struggle. Schools often view discipline as the parents’ responsibility. However, a school in Texas has taken a bold step by reintroducing an old-school method: paddling. The decision to use corporal punishment has been met with mixed reactions from parents and educators alike.
According to the Texas Classroom Teacher Association, corporal punishment refers to the “deliberate infliction of pain” to enforce discipline. Paddling typically involves a teacher using a wooden paddle to reprimand unruly students, especially those who don’t respond to detention or suspension. Historically, this method was often reserved for serious misbehaviors like bullying or disrupting the classroom.
Understandably, parents had varied reactions to this drastic measure. Interestingly, some parents support the practice, believing it reinforces discipline. On the flip side, many are concerned that such measures might frighten children or even cross the line into abuse. The Three Rivers Independent School District, recognizing these concerns, has implemented an opt-in system. Parents must provide both written and verbal consent for their children to be paddled. They can withdraw consent at any time if they change their minds. Typically, those who use similar disciplinary methods at home are more likely to agree to paddling in school, reasoning that it maintains consistency in their child’s behavior management.
The resurgence of paddling isn’t limited to just one school. In fact, 27 school districts have adopted this disciplinary method. However, not everyone is on board. John B. King Jr., the Secretary of Education, has voiced strong opposition, urging for its ban. He points out troubling statistics: over one-third of the students receiving corporal punishment are black, even though they represent only 16 percent of the public school population. Black boys are 1.8 times more likely than white boys to face paddling, and black girls are 2.9 times more likely than white girls. Despite these observations, schools that support paddling argue that it is not about prejudice; instead, they see it as a straightforward method to encourage good behavior in school.
