Corporal punishment is a technique that can easily be abused leading to physical injuries. Evidence indicates that corporal punishment negatively effects the social, psychological and educational development of students and contributes to the cycle of child abuse and pro-violence attitudes of youth. NASP reaffirms its opposition to the use of corporal punishment in schools and will actively support removal of legal sanctions for its use. NASP resolves to educate the public about the effects of corporal punishment and alternatives to its use, and will encourage research and the dissemination of information about corporal punishment effects and alternatives. Alternatives to Corporal Punishment Effective discipline includes programs and strategies for changing student behavior, for changing school or classroom environments, and for educating and supporting teachers and parents.
Effective discipline includes prevention and intervention programs and strategies.
It is empirically based rather than relying on custom or habit. The Role of School Psychologists School psychologists can take leadership roles in encouraging school districts to ban corporal punishment, if it is allowed, and in helping to develop effective discipline programs. They are trained in identifying learning and behavior problems which often lead to school discipline problems if undiagnosed and untreated. They are trained in developing appropriate programs and interventions for children with learning and behavior problems. Education programs for parents and teachers which focus on appropriate ways to deal with misbehavior and ways to foster self-discipline can be provided by school psychologists.