The Doctors discuss the possibly controversial topic of schools doling out physical punishment to children.
A school district in Texas just approved a new policy that allows corporal punishment for misbehaving students handed out by a campus behavior coordinator or principal. The new policy requires written and verbal consent from parents in order for the punishment to be given.
Watch: To Spank or Not to Spank?
The Doctors note that 15 states allow for corporal punishment, another 8 have no laws against it and that 160,000 kids per year in American public schools receive corporal punishment.
Attorney Areva Martin notes that parents who give consent to a school for corporal punishment could make pursuing any type of legal action much more complicated if there were any problems during the punishment. Areva shares the alternatives to physical punishment that have worked for her as a parent of three children when she was trying to change behavior. They include:
- Positive reinforcement
- Time outs
- Denying opportunities to do things they enjoy
Watch: Public Shaming as Discipline?
Plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon notes that American Academy of Pediatrics has a strong stance against corporal punishment for changing a child's behavior.
Would you allow your child's school to physically punish your child?
