Is it illegal to spank your teenage son with an extension cord for skipping school and smoking weed?

Answer 1

Specific laws vary from one state to the next, however...

In general a parent/guardian responsible for care and supervision of a minor may use reasonable and appropriate physical force when and to the extent reasonably believed necessary and appropriate to maintain discipline or promote welfare of the child.

Parents have a right to discipline their children. Done appropriately, spanking and the use of corporal punishment are not considered child abuse. Corporal punishment, commonly referred to as physical discipline or spanking, is the application of physical force, including striking with the hand or with an object, against the body of another. However, significant trauma and tissue damage, such as bruises, welts, or lacerations may be signs of child neglect (inappropriate discipline) or child abuse, depending on the extent of the injuries.

Since the child was engaged in the crimes of truancy (a status offense) and use / possession of illegal drugs (to wit marijuana) it seems reasonable and appropriate for a parent to use of corporal punishment (spank the child).

On the other hand, whipping your teen with an extension cord is not "spanking" and it is not appropriate. Beating a teen who is already displaying aggressively negative behaviors is not likely to solve anything. It is more likely to harden him and cause even worse behavior. That kind of punishment creates anger on both sides. He may fight back and you may go too far and then you have a terrible situation. You should seek other means of intervention. Beating a child into good behavior never works.