Kentucky is one of nineteen states that still allow corporal punishment. Corporal punishment is an archaic method that has plagued the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
This atrocious punishment is the use of physical force on a minor or mentally disabled person. These methods include paddling, spanking, flogging, and other forms of physical discipline. This inappropriate measure needs to be abolished in the state of Kentucky.
In the 2016-2017 school year, there were over 500 incidents of corporal punishment in Kentucky. Bill Request 17 would abolish the use of corporal punishment in all schools in the Commonwealth.
I can’t even begin to imagine the stress, pain, and mental strain endure by children my age who are getting paddled, in school. As an eighth grade student, I believe that this method is too harsh towards the most vulnerable children in our Commonwealth. Schools should be a safe and comfortable place for our children to go, unlike some of their homes. This method has existed far too long and needs to be replaced for the stability of our minors.
I believe that this inappropriate measure needs to be abolished in Kentucky. This nineteenth century method has existed for far too long. Some form of corporal punishment is allowed in 67 schools districts in Kentucky. Children in Kentucky’s schools are being punished unjustly for their actions. Corporal punishment has been associated with lower ACT scores, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. This method is very ineffective and needs to stop. Kentucky needs to change to a more effective method for the teachers and our children.
The Commonwealth of Kentucky needs to use more effective actions such as restorative justice. Restorative justice will focus on impacts towards others and gives a better deterrent than physical pain or abuse does. With alternative methods, including restorative justice, community service, and demerit systems, we can hold ourselves to higher standards in education while improving the self-esteem of students.
Corporal Punishment is an ancient, inappropriate measure that has not been proven to lead to any long-term disciplinary improvement in the Commonwealth. Corporal punishment has been associated with many negative side effects. There are many other effective methods such as restorative justice that can be used. Now, join me as a Kentuckian to work to abolish corporal punishment in Kentucky.
Please call your Kentucky lawmakers at (502) 564-8100 and encourage them to support a measure to abolish the use of corporal punishment in Kentucky schools.
Charlie Gardner is an eighth grade student in Jefferson County. He enjoys swimming, basketball, and social media. He is passionate about issues that affect our Commonwealth.