There is a strict prohibition on the use of physical punishment in the United States military, and that includes training. It’s also banned at any Head Start program or from juvenile correctional facilities.

However, several states do allow physical punishment in educational settings.

Statistics

Overall, the use of physical punishment has decreased despite the fact that many states permit it. Striking as a form of punishment among American students fell from 4% in 1970s to less than.5%, a significant decrease.

Even so, more than seventy thousand students were hit or spanked in schools during 2018.

There are restrictions on how much force can be used by educators in the states that permit corporal punishment in schools. If you live in one of these states and think your child’s teacher went too far with a punishment, you may have legal recourse. Public schools, on the other hand, are often shielded from legal action by the doctrine of sovereign immunity, which restricts the legal responsibility of governments.

Family Approval

The school district recognized that not all families would agree with the decision to paddle their children and made the practice voluntary. Parents who approved of using physical force on their children could opt in by signing a form at the beginning of the school year. Those who did not agree with the use of physical punishment could simply refrain from participating.

The policy states that physical punishment may only be used as a last resort, only if recommended by the principal, and only for those students who have opted in to it. Any action that “may cause bodily injury or harm,” including hitting a student in the head or face, is strictly forbidden. A principal must report the incident to the superintendent, and a witness is required.

Legal limits

There are legal limits set by most of these states on how harsh a teacher can be when administering physical punishment. As an example, in the state of Texas, the use of physical force such as hitting, paddling, slapping, or any other form of discipline is legalized under the definition of “corporal punishment.” Texas law allows for teachers to use reasonable force, including physical force, against their students.

There are school districts like Cassville School District that have their own set of regulations for families. But some of them let parents choose whether or not they want their kids spanked. Despite parental wishes, teachers in some areas, such as Florida, are allowed to strike their students.

In any case, you should start by talking to the school’s administration. It’s possible that your complaint will have an effect on an overzealous educator.