The Evolution of School Punishments: Past Practices and Modern Challenges

The methods of disciplining students have changed significantly over the years, reflecting broader societal values and education philosophies. While corporal punishment was a common practice in the past, it has largely been eliminated in favor of more modern approaches to student management. This article will explore some of the outdated punishments that once were common and discuss the current landscape of school discipline in a contemporary context.

Outdated School Punishments

One of the more dramatic punishments used in past school systems involved placing a pencil or pen between two fingers and rolling it. This was an excruciatingly painful method designed to dissuade students from defiant behavior. Another infamous punishment was the use of 5 ruler slaps on the palms of the student. This form of physical discipline was later banned due to its harshness and potential to inflict injury.

A different kind of punishment involved making the student adopt a "hen position" (crouching with hands intertwined around the knees and whispering to oneself) for hours. This method was intended to humiliate and punish the student, often resulting in physical discomfort and emotional distress.

Modern Approaches to Discipline

In recent years, school districts have shifted towards a more holistic and communicative approach to discipline. For instance, a school district where the author worked leaned heavily liberal, frowning upon traditional punishments such as detentions, suspensions, and taking away recess time. Instead, they emphasized dialogue and making "good choices." This new approach can be described as more empathetic but also more ineffective in addressing serious misconduct.

Case Studies in Modern Discipline

Consider the case of a 11-year-old boy who was expelled for assaulting multiple classmates. Despite the student's poor behavior, the school district wanted to keep him enrolled, and in response, the parents put pressure on the school to remove the student. Interestingly, the student's teacher was distracted by playing on her cell phone during class, and two paraprofessionals were also engaged in this behavior, justifying the lenient approach taken by the school.

Back in the author's time, such behavior would likely result in immediate expulsion. Similarly, students who cussed or talked back to teachers would face severe consequences, including detention and parental notification.

Challenging Behavior of a Specific Student

One student described in the case was particularly harmful and manipulative. At 9-10 years old, this boy engaged in severe physical and emotional abuse against his peers. He tackled other kids to the ground, bullied them, and even manipulated situations to make them false. For instance, he bullied an autistic student and stole items to frame him, and he would disable recess toys by throwing them onto the roof. His actions were not only harmful but also sociopathic, and the school’s response to the incident was merely a verbal discussion on making good choices.

According to the author, such behavior should result in expulsion due to a zero tolerance policy aimed at protecting other students and staff. The case of another younger child biting another to the point of bleeding was similarly handled with a mere discussion, underscoring the ineffectiveness of the current approach.

Conclusion: The Necessity of Corporal Punishment

The author believes that corporal punishment, while controversial, should be revisited as a tool in the educational arsenal. With increasing behavioral issues and a teacher shortage, stricter measures including corporal punishment might be considered to address the root causes of such behaviors. The current environment of lenient discipline often stems from poor parenting, where parents strive to be friends with their children rather than disciplinarians.

The school system must find a balance between nurturing and discipline. While the approach of focusing on dialogue and positive behavior can be beneficial, it cannot replace harsher measures for more serious offenses. The future of school discipline lies in a nuanced understanding of behavior management, incorporating elements of both leniency and toughness.