"Pediatrician Group Urges Ban on School Spanking: Safer Alternatives Proposed"

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is calling for a ban on corporal punishment in all schools, stating that it should be "abolished in all states by law." Despite a decrease in its use, corporal punishment is still allowed or not expressly prohibited in 23 states, with black and disabled children being disproportionately affected. The AAP recommends using age-appropriate, nonviolent behavioral strategies instead, such as positive reinforcement, setting limits, and redirecting. Research shows that corporal punishment does not improve behavior in the long term and is associated with lower academic achievement. Alternative approaches like restorative justice, trauma-informed schools, and positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) have shown promise in creating a supportive and safe learning environment.