R: Reinstate the Cane

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the practice of “caning” was commonplace in schools around the world. While caning is mostly associated with British schools (and the schools of its colonies), corporal punishment was commonplace in the United States education system as well. Based on the common law doctrine in loco parentis or “in the place of parents,” school officials are tasked with taking on the functions of a parent while children are in school. Discipline is one of these functions. It makes sense that, since corporal punishment was commonplace in the home, it should also be commonplace in school. In recent years, as the use of corporal punishment has waned in the home, the cane has disappeared from schools across the country and around the world. The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Academy of Pediatrics have issued statements opposing corporal punishment. Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond has claimed that corporal punishment in schools “…institutionalizes violence, runs counter to Catholic teaching and good educational practice, and violates local archdiocesan school policy.” School-instituted corporal punishment has been banned in 58 countries and outlawed in schools for many U.S. states. Yet, many in this country and around the world find merit in corporal punishment. In fact, a majority of parents think that corporal punishment in the home without implements is acceptable. Advocates of corporal punishment point to it being an effective way to manage unwanted behavior in children. They argue it is effective at maintaining proper relationships between adults, namely parents and teachers, and children. Advocates of corporal punishment may also argue that, when used in schools, it is effective in maintaining an orderly classroom. 

The institution of corporal punishment begs several questions. First and foremost: how do we distinguish between discipline and child abuse? Many argue— and historical examples support— that widespread acceptance of corporal punishment in schools can result in harm to children. Even with the low levels of corporal punishment in schools, 1-2% of children punished were injured to the point of needing medical attention. Some also may say that corporal punishment should only be used in the home. However, given that school officials act in loco parentis it is recommended that everyone address both corporal punishment in the home, and corporal punishment administered by schools—public and private. Also, how should we respond to the body of scientific research which seems to suggest corporal punishment is correlated with aggression and antisocial behavior?