The School Counselor and Corporal Punishment

ASCA Position

Corporal punishment adversely affects children and adolescents’ physical well-being, mental health and social/emotional development. School counselors oppose the use of corporal punishment and advocate for trauma-informed discipline policies and procedures. 

The Rationale

Even though corporal punishment has been on a steady decline since the 1970s and has notable negative effects, it is still legal in 17 states and used in 14 (Greene-Santos, 2024). The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (n.d.) defines corporal punishment as “any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light.” 
 
School counselors recognize the use of corporal punishment at home and/or at school is linked to negative outcomes in academic performance and problematic behaviors (Grogan-Kaylor, 2020; Maiti, 2021). Research shows physical punishment to be ineffective in teaching new behaviors, and it is detrimental in teaching problem-solving skills. A review of the literature (Afifi et al., 2022; Duong, et al., 2021; Zolotor et al., 2020) reinforces earlier findings that corporal punishment:

• Increases antisocial behaviors, such as lying, stealing, bullying and aggression. Heightens the risk of child abuse, as physical discipline may escalate in severity
• Erodes trust between students and authority figures, creating unsafe and ineffective learning environments
• Hinders cognitive development and academic performance
• Contributes to negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety and long-term emotional dysregulation
• Contradicts trauma-informed approaches, which emphasize safety, empowerment and resilience

The School Counselor's Role

School counselors have a responsibility to protect students and to promote healthy student development using multitiered systems of support that incorporate evidence-based practices, including teaching new behaviors that promote positive social/emotional development (ASCA, 2019). School counselors are in an optimal position to implement proactive strategies that promote positive behaviors and respect diverse cultural values. Recognizing cultural influences on views of corporal punishment, the school counselor serves as a resource for school personnel and families by advocating for effective intervention and alternative discipline strategies. School counselors follow the laws and policies of their jurisdictions while being mindful of ethical standards. They can encourage public awareness of the consequences of corporal punishment, provide strategies on alternatives to corporal punishment and encourage legislation prohibiting the continued use of corporal punishment. 
 
School counselors collaborate with families, educators and community partners to develop healthy relationships between students and adults. While school counselors do not implement disciplinary practices, they are aware that alternatives to corporal punishment can include:

• Implementing behavioral contracts to support self-regulation and accountability
• Establishing clear and consistent expectations with logical consequences for misconduct
• Facilitating conferences with students, families and staff to address underlying issues
• Encouraging pro-social behaviors through restorative practices, skills-based learning in mediation and conflict resolution
• Promoting emotional regulation and mindfulness practices to support student well-being
• Connecting families with parenting programs that encourage positive reinforcement and effective discipline

Summary

Research shows corporal punishment increases students’ antisocial behavior, adversely affects cognitive development and erodes the trust between children and adults. It is ineffective in teaching new and positive behaviors and is detrimental in teaching appropriate problem-solving methods. School counselors oppose the use of corporal punishment and advocate for alternative methods to be used at home and school.