Name: Oneil McQuick
Date: June 26, 2004
Subject Asked: Should Corporal Punishment be permitted in schools? Explain.
How Done: In class writing, journal.
School: BCC, ENC 1101

The first thing that can be said is that I’m a witness, a witness to the fact that corporal punishment is more than feasible in a school setting. Reason being, I grew up in a school system that had corporal punishment in place. I didn’t die, I wasn’t emotionally traumatized, I didn’t take revenge and burn down the school and best of all I turn out okay. Moreover, as experimental as I was, I received more corporal punishment (beating) than most.

It is after becoming an ardent student of the bible I learnt that this is not only a good thing, but the best way of punishing children; and it is even actual wisdom given from God as against today’s methods from mortal men and other “life forms;” example, Dr. Phil, Oprah, etc – though they are entitled to their opinion. It is often stated not to spare the rod and spoil the child. Meaning, refuse from implementing corporal punishment and allowing the child to be rotten and eventually ruthless. The bible also gives the reason for this corporal punishment, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” (Pro 22:15). In other words, the child’s tendencies is always folly, mischief and “evil” inclinations, but proper physically felt punishment can correct them; with lasting adulthood effects of a good character and discipline. This is the wisdom given from a being that when making man, saw this age and all ages. Fortunately, as I’ve learnt in psychology class, most psychologists have seen the fruits of this and call it “conditioning,” a most effective tool of learning.

Modern methods and the alternatives might seem to be more favorable, but can be really damaging. Reason being, the other methods used are (1) depravation of food – leading to ulcers and other childhood complications (if not spiritually fasting). (2) Neglect – which can lead to low self-esteem, lack of self-worth, social ineptness and even suicide in the long term. The other methods used are far more dangerous and involves the mind or general psychological process. Such things as time out, “do-this-don’t-get this-don’t-do-this-get-that-get-that-get-this” garbage, and other mental gymnastics; that even the less educated parents can’t do and are led to rash behaviors.

The mental reprimandment is dangerous because it deals with an area that if tampered with can hardly be fixed or leads to damages we can’t see. A normal child turns into an adult psychopath, with no apparent reason: Because mentally they were affected. God took care of that area, which we will never have full expertise in, and made it physical. Bruises will heal, but a scared mind or mixed-up mind can cause untold problems. The mind is the central part of the body, like the engine is to a car; and if the engine of a car is damaged, the whole care is inept, but if a bumper-to-bumper hit occurs the car can go on. Therefore, corporal punishment is the best way and even more effective. Because a child will more remember a physical pain and avoid the offense, as against a mental process that he neither understands and not know will affect him in the long run.

The only objection to corporal punishment is abuse. But corporal punishment is not abuse, though there is a thin line. If and when abuse is suspected or seen coming, then the authorities should step in. With chances of this happening, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be implemented; but rather monitored in the above way. For instance, eating food can cause obesity, but does that mean we shouldn’t eat food? No! It just means that eating food should be monitored – moderation. Another thing or objection is that some children have ailments and cannot take corporal punishment. Usually, such students don’t give that much trouble or trouble warranting corporal punishment. Moreover, students with that sever of an ailment would be a in a special school. Having said all that, there is nothing wrong with spanking the child in school, but even the wisest thing to do and should be implemented for a better society.