Fifteen States Permit School Corporal Punishment Nationwide

Fifteen states still permit corporal punishment in public schools, with many decisions left to local districts and at least one state, Arkansas, highlighted in recent reporting. Federal data from the 2021-2022 school year show nearly 32,000 paddling or spanking incidents in K-12 classrooms, predominantly in Southern states. Personal accounts, such as Tessa Davis’s experience in Arkansas, illustrate how paddling can trigger immediate fear and long-lasting reluctance to attend school. Experts define corporal punishment as causing pain or discomfort and warn it can harm children by increasing aggression, anxiety, and eroding student–teacher relationships. There is no federal ban on the practice; state and local laws vary, and parental consent is often still required in many districts. Ongoing coverage emphasizes the trauma associated with corporal punishment and the need for clear policy decisions on its use across states.