Premium Essay

Corporal Punishment as a Method of Discipline

In:

Submitted By taylorw2023
Words 817
Pages 4
Corporal Punishment As a Method of Discipline

Corporal Punishment, by definition, is a form of physical punishment that involves the deliberate infliction of pain in order to punish a person for some kind of misbehavior. An example of corporal punishment would be spanking, usually with an object such as a paddle. There is a real difference of opinion regarding the effectiveness and the long-term consequences of corporal punishment. The main reason for using corporal punishment is to exert better control in the classroom. Other pro-arguments for the use of corporal punishment would include the fact that it is inexpensive and swift. A reasonable person would believe that missing class is not a good thing for the student so corporal punishment could have the student back in the classroom within thirty minutes or less whereas suspension from school would have the student missing several days of in class instruction. Some proponents of corporal punishment even quote Bible scripture to sever as a reason for corporal punishment, such as the passage from Proverbs 22:15: “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of the child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.” There is no clear evidence that such punishment leads to better control in classroom. The vast amount of evidence concludes that corporal punishment is an ineffective method of discipline. Further, this discipline has major harmful effects on those who have been disciplined in this manner. The American Academy of Pediatrics did a 10-year study ending in 2013, which was recorded in the Position Statement of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, which concluded that punished children become more rebellious and are more likely to demonstrate vindictive behavior, seeking retribution against school officials and others in society. (1) A student may cease acting out in class only to continue in other ways.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Is Corporal Punishment Needed to Discipline Children

...Is Corporal Punishment Needed to Discipline Children One of the most beloved fantasy movies of all times that holds a special place within many people’s hearts is the famous “Wizard of Oz”. This movie is a musical that was created and directed by Victor Fleming in 1939 with the help of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Malcolm Brown, William A. Horning and Jack Martin Smith as the production designers (that were never credited) and Cedric Gibbons as the art director. (IMDb, n.d) This movie is about a young, girl from Kansas named Dorothy Gale played by Judy Garland who dreams of another life. Dorothy lives on her auntie Emily (Clara Blandick) and uncle Henry’s (Charley Grapewin) farm, and has friends named “Hunk (Ray Bolger), Zeke (Bert Lahr) and Hickory (Jack Haley). All of the mentioned friends play a vital roles as The Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), Corporal punishment in today’s world is the deliberate infliction of pain for disciplining a behavior deemed unacceptable. This form on discipline is considered to be used to correct behavior but does it instill aggressive behavior that will lead to domestic violence or even child abuse. This form of punishment is considered to be the most commonly used form of discipline in America today and is currently legal. This type of discipline is not favorable in today’s society and statistics indicate it will lead to future aggression later in life? The official definition of corporal punishment is a form of physical punishment that involves the deliberate...

Words: 2856 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Corpral Punishment: Is It Needed?

...Corporal Punishment: Is it needed? Research shows that there is an ongoing debate over corporal punishment and non-physical disciplinary measures for children. This debate asks to numerous questions: Do you spare or use the rod? The results can vary for both, sparing the rod can be damaging to establishing order in your child. As well, using the rod can affect the child’s long term mental behaviors, social norm, and the parental relationship. An article by John Fletcher titled, “Positive Parenting, not physical punishment” he addresses some of the concerns regarding corporal punishment. “Is spanking wrong? Clearly, hitting anyone in anger or when losing an argument is bad behaviour. To do this to children sets a bad example and may only teach them that violence is a means to getting their own way” (J.Fletcher 2012) By exploring the need of corporal punishment as it relates to it effect on children’s cognitive behaviors to punishment, alternative punishment methods and non-physical discipline may prove to be the best disciplinary method for children today. According to Miriam Websters Dictionary, corporal punishment as it pertains to children is defined as “punishment administered by an adult (as a parent or a teacher) to the body of a child ranging in severity from a slap to a spanking.” (M. Webster n.d.) Corporal punishment as it relates to children is sometimes administered in a school setting by administrators or teachers, however most corporal punishment is administered...

Words: 2565 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Corporal Punishment Proposal

...------------------------------------------------- Should Corporal Punishment Be Illegal? ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- By:Shada Roshan ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Punishing children is a popular method that most people use in order to discipline children. They see it useful and more effective as its response is quick. On the other hand some people do not agree because in their opinion punishment is more harmful as it can escalate to child abuse. So it is a controversial issue. There are basically 4 kind of punishmentI am going to talk about one of them which is corporal punishment. What is corporal punishment? ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Is corporal punishment an effective method of disciplining children? Why some people use it as a method to discipline children? Should corporal punishment be banned, and what are the other ways to discipline children? ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- I am interested in presenting this issue because most people thought that corporal punishment is the right thing to do, and other disagreed...

Words: 368 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Corporal Punishment

...Corporal Punishment Ashley Boardman PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology Instructor: Loriana Fiorino July 2, 2012 Corporal Punishment As parents we often have to discipline our children, as heartbreaking as it can be at times we have to do it in order to show them right from wrong. This being said, all parents raise their children different and have a different definition of what the appropriate punishment is for their child. Over the past couple of years, a huge controversy had been made over parents using corporal punishment such as spanking to discipline their child. Corporal punishment is the use of physical force causing pain, but not wounds, as a means of discipline.” Spanking, rapping on the head and slapping are forms of corporal punishment which we do not classify as abuse. There are two factors to be taken into consideration when distinguishing between corporal punishment and physical abuse: intensity: the extent to which injuries have resulted from the use of violence, intention: the extent to which the intention is to teach/discipline. Corporal punishment is just one of the wrong ways to discipline a child. The aim is not to substitute corporal punishment with psychological abuse but to discipline without using violence (UNICEF, 2010). Corporal punishment is a tremendous controversial issue among Americans all across the country. Many studies have been researched to prove the behavior of children that have been disciplined with corporal punishment and how...

Words: 3884 - Pages: 16

Free Essay

Corporal Punishment in Trinidad and Tobago

...over the use of Corporal Punishment in the primary and secondary schools of Trinidad and Tobago. Since the ban in the year 2000 on corporal punishment from schools in Trinidad and Tobago there has been an increase of national concerns over the effects of corporal punishment on discipline of primary and secondary school students. According to (Gershoff 2002) corporal punishment can be defined as the use of physical force with the intention of causing a child to experience pain but not injury for the purposes of correction or control of a child's behaviour. It includes a wide variety of methods such as hitting, slapping, spanking, punching, kicking, pinching, shaking, shoving, choking, use of various objects (wooden paddles, belts, sticks, pins, or others), painful body postures (as placing in closed spaces), use of electric shock and use of excessive exercise drills. These harsh disciplinary measures adopted by authoritarian teachers to discipline students’ lead to anti-social behaviour, contribute to academic failure and social rejection. These conditions further reduce self-esteem and create depressed mood, which in turn add to the likelihood of delinquency in adolescents (Patterson, 1982). However, this paper seeks to outline the negative effects of corporal punishment and positive disciplinary actions that can be used to deal with students’ misbehaviour. Negative effects of corporal punishment Inconsistent...

Words: 1088 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Corporal Punishment

...Raising Children with Corporal Punishment By Lynn Collier With my head hung between my knees, I sat on my bed dreading the sound of my dad’s beat up, old pickup truck rumbling down the dirt road to our house. I was caught smoking cigarettes with my friend Chuck, and I sat waiting for the punishment that followed. At that time, I honestly wished Mom had dealt with me instead of Dad. Being the deviant child that I was, I knew what was coming. First, I’d get the lecture from Mom as Dad would listen while making that disappointed face. It would end with a spanking from Dad’s large, worn-out leather belt. And that’s just the way it happened. Chuck had it easier; he just received a week of grounding. Funny thing, though, even though Chuck’s parents and my parents were non-smokers, Chuck smokes a minimum of a pack of cigarettes a day now, whereas I have never smoked a cigarette since then. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a single thing about that experience or the others that accompanied my mistakes. I learned valuable lessons about right and wrong and accepting the consequences of my actions. A major controversy in American society today is the debate on the use of corporal punishment by parents for disciplining their children. The use of corporal punishment has both supporters and opponents with opinions, statistics, and evidence for their views on the issue. I believe there is a big difference in a reasonable use of force for discipline and child abuse. Having experienced...

Words: 916 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Spanking

...Should Corporal Punishment be Banned in Homes? The spanking of a child, also known as corporal punishment, by their parent(s) is one of the most common forms of disciplinary action used to date. Although many people have different ideas of what spanking really is, the term universally means “striking the child on the buttocks or extremities with an open hand without inflicting physical injury with the intent to modify behavior.” (Bai) Some parents and researchers would say that spanking one’s child is a form of child abuse because it is practiced with the intent of causing physical pain to the child. However, the use of corporal punishment is necessary because a child who is not disciplined will not learn the difference between right and wrong and should not be against the law for parents to use in their home. When I was five, I got a “spanking” from my father for biting a family member. During and after the spanking I cried and was very upset with my father for what he had done. I thought it was unfair and “mean”. But like my parents, a recent survey estimated that ninety-four percent of parents with children age’s four to five spank their children occasionally. (Larzelere) While some call it discipline, others believe it is a form of violence. Research shows that corporal punishment leads to more serious problems than just getting your feelings hurt. In many cases when a child is spanked, it can leave a lasting impact and cause poorer relationships between a child and the...

Words: 1172 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Should Children Be Allowed To Spank Children

...In “Spanking and Discipline” by the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick, the organization gives information on spanking and whether it is appropriate. It also addresses if spanking a child is against the law and if not, what is the acceptable form of spanking. This works in favor of my position since it gives an understanding of what spanking is and how it can be used legally. As stated in the article, spanking is a form of discipline that corresponds to corporal punishment. According to the article Spanking and Discipline, parents as well as experts have different opinions on whether spanking a child that is misbehaving an acceptable way to control them. It also states that as long as it is considered reasonable, it is not against the law. Now what is considered reasonable ? Well according to Public Legal Education and Information Service, reasonable force means that the pain is short lived and not harmful. With that being said the parent should be mindful of how many spanks the child receives and should...

Words: 1870 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Is Corporal Punishment Needed to Discipline Children

...Is Corporal Punishment Needed to Discipline Children? PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology February 24, 2014 Child discipline is very important, without it, society would have many problems. The questions arise when we discuss what kind of child discipline is most effective. Times have changed and how our parents and grandparents were disciplined when doing unwanted behaviors would today be a severe child abuse. Even for middle age parents of today there is a contrast in the way corporal punishment is used on the youth of today. It is quit the controversy about whether corporal punishment should be used as an acceptable form of child discipline and if it acceptable at what point is the line crossed from physical discipline to child abuse. So many countries have banned corporal punishment in all three aspects of corporal punishment. The three disciplines of corporal punishment is home, school, and judicial. In this paper we will be focusing on the home. Home is where discipline is the most effective and happens most frequently. Besides home there is school where here in the United States most schools are not allowed to use corporal punishment. Twenty-eight states ban corporal punishment of public schoolchildren, an increase of 26 states over the past 30 years; but inside the family, legalized corporal punishment of children remains entrenched and unbudging” (Susan, 2006).It is used in the judicial system but only under extreme circumstances and under strict guidelines...

Words: 3518 - Pages: 15

Free Essay

Corporal Punishment

...Corporal Punishment Lakeisha Fletcher PSY101: Introduction to Psychology Instructor: Sabrina Geoffrion May 16, 2016 Corporal Punishment Corporal punishment is a harsh disciplinary act that involves physical pain to an individual mostly relating to a child. There has been some debates about the issue of corporal punishment, and whether is it needed in school and even in the home settings. There is also some debate that there may be some advantages to having corporal punishment. Who really has a say so when parents use certain strategies to discipline their children? Is there really a line that needs to be drawn so that parents know when disciplining your child has gone too far. Even though corporal punishment can have some possible advantages when children misbehave, there are more effective ways that parents can use to discipline their children. The benefits of disciplining your child can be beneficial if the acts are carried out appropriately. Corporal punishment in the form of severe physical pain or humiliation can prove to have negative effects on the child’s behavior. Corporal punishment can also be clearly defined in the commonly form of spanking or smacking, but also may include slapping, pinching, pulling hair, twisting ears, or hitting with an object such as a rod or stick (Zolotor & Puzia, 2010). As a result of such harsh treatment, it has been mentioned that it is against the law to practice corporal punishment in certain states and schools. Research...

Words: 2074 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Adrian Peterson

...Running head: PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT OF CHILDREN 1 Physical Punishment Of Children As A Teaching Tool John Burgess University Of Memphis PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT OF CHILDREN 2 Abstract The research paper examined the effects of physical punishment of children as a teaching tool and hypothesized that physical punishment of children was not an effective teaching tool. The first section of the text discusses the Adrian Peterson case and relates how physical punishment is passed from generation to generation. The second section of the text discusses advocates of physical punishment and benefits derived from this. One of the main benefits is immediate compliance. This is recognized by advocates and opponents of physical punishment. The third section discusses the negative impacts of physical punishment on children. The last section discusses the prevalence of physical punishment in the United States and how this compares to other countries. The United States is in the minority of developed countries that condone physical punishment of children. The last section also contains a survey that demonstrates the prevalence of physical punishment and parents’ opinions on its effectiveness. The survey demonstrated that a majority of parents find that physical punishment is necessary and effective in spite of evidence to the contrary. Physical punishment of children was brought to national attention when Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was indicted...

Words: 1019 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Corporal Punishment

...Running Head: The Transmission of Corporal Punishment The Transmission of Corporal Punishment: Is it Passed on to Our Children? Tamika R. James Park University Corporal Punishment on children is “frowned upon” in the country of the United States of America. It is considered to be egregious to many that live in this country and all around the world. The act of corporal punishment on children has been outlawed and laws have been changed with the evolution of parenting. Even with the laws that protect children from corporal punishment in place, a vast majority of the country still practices it at home. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether or not the act of corporal punishment is passed on to future generations. In other words, if a child is brought up getting “spankings”, are they more or less likely to practice the act on children of their own. Several stipulations come to mind when people speak of corporal punishment. In this country it appears that a certain amount of corporal punishment is acceptable. The question is, where do we draw the line? Many would consider punishing a child by spanking them with a belt appropriate. There are other things to consider, such as: How hard are they spanking them? How often are they spanking them? Appropriate parenting seems to be up to interpretation. Whatever ones thoughts on the subject is, most will agree that corporal punishment should be the last resort. Why then is it so vastly practiced among parents? The thought...

Words: 2575 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Child Rearing

...Database: PsycARTICLES [Journal Article] The case against corporal punishment of children: Converging evidence from social science research and international human rights law and implications for U.S. public policy. Gershoff, Elizabeth T.; Bitensky, Susan H. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, Vol 13(4), Nov 2007, 231-272. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1076-8971.13.4.231 In light of the fact that most Americans still support the act of corporal punishment there has been a large amount of research of psychology and its allied disciplines showing that corporal punishment is ineffective as a disciplinary practice and can have unintended negative effects on children. With that being said, there is a growing outcry from other countries seeking the ban of corporal punishment where it is often viewed as a violation of human rights law. The authors summarize these developments in research and law as well as the current legal status of corporal punishment of children in the United States. The authors list positive alternatives to corporal punishment that promote growth of the child parent relationship and takes the focus off of anger and physical violence. It was a nice read and shed light on the issues of parental anger, child discipline and the apparent differences. Database: PsycINFO [Book; Authored Book] Beating the devil out of them: Corporal punishment in American families and its effects on children. Straus, Murray A. Piscataway, NJ, US: Transaction...

Words: 603 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Corporal Punishment

...Boghossian BCOM 275 May 18, 2014 Corporal Punishment Corporal Punishment Corporal punishment is the inflicting of pain due to disciplinary reasons. Even though it shows discipline, corporal punishment of kids is bad because it can lead to legal troubles and it can cause health issues to the child and lead to the child having bad after effects. It should be banned and alternative ways should be used. Corporal punishment has many pros and cons. Corporal punishment has reasons why it can be good, one reason why corporal punishment can be good it that it can teach morals and values to the children. It can teach the child what is wrong at what is right. It is faster effective way where the child learns its lesson. Corporal punishment also shows power and it puts fear inside of the child. Besides having pros, corporal punishment has many cons. By using this method, many children can end having mental illnesses and go through depression. “Among adults, 2 to 7 percent of cases of mental disorders — including major depression, anxiety disorder and paranoia — are attributable to physical punishment that occurred during childhood, the researchers said” (MyHealthNewsDaily). Physical abuse on a child is very bad, by using force the child can go through many emotional and physical things that sometimes might take many years for them to get back to normal. It puts them in a position where they develop strange methods of hurting themselves more, for example...

Words: 518 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Corporal Punishment

...1101 Corporal Punishment In America Although many are not in favor with corporal punishment, it has not fallen out of practice in many of the United States. There are some positive aspects in corporal punishment, but since this has never been apart of my childhood this is the reason why I am against the practice. There are many pros and cons that come with corporal punishment, but it is now only legal in 20 states. Americans deem this type of punishment technique as either intrinsically evil or very essential. Times have changed drastically, and the generation today does not agree with such physical punishment at school especially when it has led to child abuse in the past. Punishments should always have a reason behind them, but the society has the power to measure to what extent that punishment can and should be reached. What really is corporal punishment? “Corporal punishment is the use of physical force with intention of causing a child to experience pain, but not injury, for the purpose of correction or control of the child’s behavior.”(Murray A. Straus 4) The practice of Corporal Punishment has been recorded as early as 10th century B.C, where the “Book of Proverbs 13:29” says, “ He who spareth the rod hateth his son, but he that loveth him correcteth him betimes. Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou strike him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and deliver his soul from hell.” One of the ironies of corporal punishment is that...

Words: 1619 - Pages: 7