The history of corporal punishment goes all the way back to the 10th century BC, when it was already present in numerous civilizations, including Greece, Egypt and Rome. Back then, it was used for judicial and educational discipline. The best example in this sense is Sparta, which used such punishments cruelly in order for men to build willpower and physical strength. Even though many things have changed since then and the world has evolved hugely, these punishments are still being used in today’s modern society. They represent a form of physical punishment involving the infliction of pain deliberately. There are three main types of such punishments: parental (domestic), school, and judicial.

Parental or domestic corporal punishments are applied to children by their parents or guardians, typically within the family. Children are usually punished by means of spanking, whipping, slapping, or smacking. More aggressive punishments are considered child abuse and domestic violence. The legal status of parents applying these punishments to their minor children is controversial. In all the American states, corporal punishments in homes are completely legal, as well as in all African and most Asian nations. However, numerous countries have started to outlaw it, even though in some it is legal, but restricted. When it comes to schools, it is a whole different story. Children being physically punished by their teachers or school administrators was something very normal in the past, and still is in some countries. However, corporal punishments in schools have been outlawed in nearly all of Europe (except France), Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Kenya, and Korea. In some parts of the world (including 19 states of the USA), is remains legal.

Judicial corporal punishments are part of a criminal sentence order by a law court. Prison corporal punishments are related, since prison authorities or a visiting court can order them. This punishment method is also allowed in some military settings, while in others it is completely banned. The main issue with corporal punishment remains children, though. Who can tell whether this method will discipline them or, on the contrary, will lead to serious emotional issues? It is understandable for parents to “spank” their children once in a while, but when the episodes become more frequent, it should ring a bell. Either the children are rebellious (precisely because of the numerous corporal punishments), or the parents are always resorting to the easy way to fix things. Regardless of the case, corporal punishment of children should be restricted in all settings, in my opinion.