Well, I was raised "getting the belt" when I deserved it as well as an open hand slap either to the behind or on occasion to the face (say a cuss word in front of a deeply religious mother).  In all reality, it wasn't the pain from the striking as much as the feeling of being corrected because I had done wrong.  I also got "the paddle" from my elementary school principle a couple of times.  I don't remember why, but the way that I was at that young age I probably deserved it.

 

My children did get "the belt" a couple of times, but for the most part it was an open hand smack on the behind when they were younger.  As they got older punishments changed to taking away privileges.

 

My grandson now has only been spanked a couple of times that I know of by his mother, and in those cases it was with an open hand to the buttocks.

 

That being said, I am not against corporal punishment when raising kids, and quite frankly in my opinion it should probably be used more often.  We then probably would not have children back-talking and being disrespectful to their teachers and/or adults like we see today.  However, it's up to the parents to choose how they discipline their own children.

 

As far as it being used in schools, well it certainly was necessary back when I was a child, but I do think that it should not take place without the parent's consent.

 

Ultimately it's up to parents, not society or government.

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