How is a school paddling in the US done?

Answer 1

It is illegal in Australia, and not in effect at most schools in the United States.

It is illegal in most of Europe.

Paddling or other corporal punishment remains acceptable in much of Latin America, India, Pakistan, and a variety of countries around the world.

One problem in California schools is that children are brought here from countries where physical punishment was allowed, but once they realize they cannot be struck here they feel free to misbehave badly.

Answer 2

Typically the student is first instructed to assume the required position, which can vary from school to school. It may be to bend over and grab the knees or the ankles. Otherwise the student may have to bend over a piece of furniture (desk or chair). The student's legs may be together or spread apart depending on the school's requirements. The student will usually be required to remove any items from back pockets.

When in position, the allotted number of swats or 'licks' will be applied to the student's buttocks. This can be anything between 1 and 10, but 3 to 5 would be an average paddling. The swats are usually given with maximum force. School paddles vary in size, but a typical one would be two feet long (including handle), 3 to 4 inches wide and ½ to ¾ inches thick. The usual material is oak or a similar hardwood. Some paddles are drilled with holes to prevent an air cushion forming between the paddle and the student's buttocks, which can reduce the force of the impact.

The initial effect of a paddling is to cause extreme burning and stinging pain in the buttocks. After a short period the burning and stinging subsides, giving way to a warm tingling and throbbing sensation, which can last for several hours, often accompanied by a dull ache deep in the gluteal muscles. Depending on the severity/number of swats and degree of bruising and/or blistering caused by a paddling, a student could have marks on his/her buttocks for anything between 2 days and 2 weeks, and could experience discomfort when sitting down for a similar period.