NCJ Number
162007
Editor(s)
S Harper,
S A Meador,
J Epstein
Date Published
1993
Length
35 pages
Annotation
After providing a historical perspective of corporal punishment in schools, this report outlines arguments for and against corporal punishment and describes student discipline alternatives.
Abstract
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that corporal punishment is constitutional, and 27 States allow its use; however, 23 States have abolished it. In the remaining States, it is prohibited by regulation in many major cities. Advocates of school spankings often argue that corporal punishment is the only procedure that works with students who ignore every other disciplinary measure. Those who oppose corporal punishment argue that it does not modify behavior, it encourages violent behavior by students, and promotes lack of personal responsibility for one's behavior. Other issues discussed are the effect of corporal punishment on academic achievements, the role of the family in disciplining children, association with crime, psychological effects, the characteristics of those punished, and the legal risk posed by corporal punishment. The section on student discipline alternatives focuses on the Alternatives to Corporal Punishment Report, praise and reward systems, Alternative Behavior Centers, the Tribes program, reality therapy, and seven strategies to maintain discipline without the use of corporal punishment. A list of 55 selected resources and supplementary writings on the use of corporal punishment in schools