Students call for an end to paddling, spanking and flogging in schools

Kentucky is one of 19 states that still allow corporal punishment in our public schools. Corporal punishment is an archaic method of discipline that allows the use of physical force on a minor or mentally disabled person. Paddling, spanking, flogging and other forms of physical force are currently allowed.

In the 2017-2018 school year, there were more than 300 incidents of corporal punishment in Kentucky schools, which is still practiced in 17 of our school districts. Kentucky Bill Request 429 would abolish corporal punishment throughout all school districts in our commonwealth.

We understand that some students can be disruptive and even put their classmates in danger and should be disciplined. But striking, hitting or spanking a student is not the answer.

Related:Kentucky lawmakers to consider school paddling ban

Corporal punishment has been associated with lower ACT scores, fatigue and suicidal thoughts. It causes physical and emotional pain and does nothing to address the behavior that caused the child to be disciplined.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky needs to use more effective disciplinary actions. Restorative justice focuses on the behavioral impact student actions have on others and gives a better deterrent than physical pain or abuse. With alternative methods like restorative justice, community service and demerit systems, we can hold ourselves to higher standards in education while helping to ensure the security and well being of our students.

Corporal punishment is an antiquated, inappropriate measure that does not lead to any long-term disciplinary improvement in schools and it should cease.

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We hope you will join us in the fight for the safety of students all across the commonwealth. Please call your Kentucky lawmakers at (502) 564-8100 and encourage them to support Bill Request 429.

Charlie Gardner, Elizabeth George, and Alex Young are high school students advocating for the end of corporal punishment in Kentucky schools. Charlie and Alex attend Saint Xavier High School, and Elizabeth attends Sacred Heart Academy. The students contacted legislators after sponsoring a mock-government bill that would end in-school corporal punishment. The students enjoy actively working with leaders on both sides of the aisle to help better the commonwealth.