That's a paddlin'
A school in rural Missouri has decided to re-introduce corporal punishment using a wooden paddle for problematic students.
It might be seen as an archaic form of punishment, but In ireland, all forms of corporal punishment of children were only definitively outlawed since the passing of the Children First Act 2015.
Meanwhile, it's still legal in 19 US states including Missouri.
Superintendent Merlyn Johnson told the Springfield News-Leader:
"My plan, when I came to Cassville, wasn't to be known as the guy who brought corporal punishment back to Cassville. I didn't want that to be my legacy and I still don't," he said. "But it is something that has happened on my watch and I'm OK with it."
As part of the plans, parent's will be able to opt-in or opt-out of their children being eligible for 'a paddling'.
The school's policy states:
"When it becomes necessary to use corporal punishment, it shall be administered so that there can be no chance of bodily injury or harm. Striking a student on the head or face is not permitted."
The only corporal punishment allowed is "swatting the buttocks with a paddle."
