Paddling: Strong or Wrong Approach?

Re “Major Disputes Over Corporal Punishment” (Jan. 19):

I was a public school teacher, counselor, assistant principal and principal from 1964 through 1983 at both junior high and senior high schools. I have administered corporal punishment to hundreds of students at both levels, male and female, and can remember receiving a couple of “swats” myself when in junior high school.

When I received swats, my response was very different than Portia Moss’ would apparently be. I assume that’s because I believed my parents’ response would be different than Portia Moss stated her parents would respond. My parents would have been upset with me, not the school. That’s why I never told them. I did not repeat the conduct that caused the swat either. The difference in the anticipated parental response is precisely the problem.

My experience is that corporal punishment, when administered in a formal and selective manner, is very effective as an alternative to other forms of punishment, especially for younger students. Corporal punishment is not very effective with high school students.

The primary difficulty with administering corporal punishment at school is the attitude and reaction of the parents. This very same attitude and reaction is the primary reason we now have a teenage population so out of control. The modern permissive, protective manner of raising children has never worked.

I’m not suggesting that you never go to the aid of your children or that schools never make a mistake. I’m merely saying that raising children to be responsible sometimes means letting them take responsibility for their conduct even if it is conduct that results in corporal punishment. With a parental approach such as this, your children are less likely to need corporal punishment.

C. LARRY FANCHER

Anaheim Hills

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* Mickey Conroy’s paddling bill is a perfect example of why term limits are necessary.

DEBBIE COVEN

San Clemente

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* I await with anticipation the next piece of “major” legislation to come from Assemblyman Mickey Conroy (R-Orange). I have no doubt that it will call for public battering of batterers. Let the punishment fit the crime!

JEAN CAMERON

Orange