Ohio outlaws school paddling (finally!)

The idea of abolishing corporal punishment in Ohio's public schools keeps coming up, but it never quite passes - until now.

Yesterday, Gov. Ted Strickland signed a new budget bill into law that includes a ban on paddling in public schools. This makes Ohio one of about 30 states to prohibit this outdated practice.

Meanwhile, Indiana seems to be moving in the opposite direction. Earlier this year, right-wing Gov. Mitch Daniels supported a bill to make it illegal to sue a school employee over discipline. In his State of the State tirade, Disaster Daniels scolded, "It is time Indiana said to its children: sit down and hush up."

I know what a few of you might be saying about Ohio's paddling ban. "What about serial bullies?" you inquire. Trust me, they're not the ones getting swats to begin with. In fact, no other form of discipline is ever tried with them either. If we expel serial bullies as we should, corporal punishment might not ever be an issue.

I find it interesting that schools that use corporal punishment usually experience more bullying and other student violence.

There should be a nationwide ban on paddling in schools. The welfare and rights of our young people should be a top national priority.

(Source: http://www.huliq.com/1/83718/ohio-ends-corporal-punishment-schools)