15 Forms of Discipline Used in Schools That Are No Longer Acceptable

School discipline has come a long way since the days of corporal punishment and public humiliation. In the past, educators often resorted to harsh and even abusive methods to maintain order and control in the classroom. However, as our understanding of child development and psychology has evolved, so too have our approaches to discipline. Many of the disciplinary practices that were once commonplace in schools are now considered unethical, ineffective, and even illegal. In this article, we’ll take a look at 15 forms of discipline that were used in schools in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s that are no longer acceptable today.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment, which involves the use of physical force to discipline a child, was once a common practice in schools across the United States. Teachers would use paddles, rulers, or even their bare hands to spank or strike students who misbehaved. This practice was often seen as a necessary means of maintaining order and respect in the classroom. However, research has shown that corporal punishment is not only ineffective but also harmful to children’s physical and emotional well-being. Today, corporal punishment is banned in schools in most states.

Public Humiliation

Another common form of discipline in the past was public humiliation. Teachers would often single out students who misbehaved and make an example of them in front of the entire class. This could involve anything from making a student wear a dunce cap to forcing them to stand in the corner or write lines on the chalkboard. The idea was to shame the student into compliance and deter others from misbehaving. However, we now know that public humiliation can be incredibly damaging to a child’s self-esteem and can actually lead to more behavioral problems in the long run.

Exclusionary Discipline

Exclusionary discipline involves removing a student from the classroom or school as a means of punishment. This could include sending a student to the principal’s office, suspending them from school, or even expelling them. While this may have been seen as a way to remove disruptive students and maintain order, it can also lead to a host of negative outcomes, including academic failure, dropout, and even involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Writing Lines

Writing lines was a common form of punishment in schools for decades. Students who misbehaved would be required to write a certain phrase or sentence over and over again, sometimes filling up an entire chalkboard or sheet of paper. The idea was that the repetition would help the message sink in and prevent future misbehavior. However, this practice is now seen as a waste of time and an ineffective means of discipline. It does little to address the root causes of the behavior and can actually lead to resentment and disengagement from school.

Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse, which involves the use of harsh or demeaning language to discipline a child, was once a common practice in schools. Teachers would yell at students, call them names, or belittle them in front of their peers. This was often seen as a way to assert authority and control in the classroom. However, we now know that verbal abuse can be incredibly damaging to a child’s mental health and can lead to a host of negative outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.

Forced Apologies

Forced apologies were another common form of discipline in schools in the past. When a student misbehaved, they would often be required to apologize to the teacher or their classmates, even if they didn’t feel genuinely sorry. The idea was that the act of apologizing would help the student take responsibility for their actions and prevent future misbehavior. However, forced apologies can actually backfire, leading to resentment and a lack of genuine remorse. Today, educators focus on helping students develop empathy and understand the impact of their actions, rather than simply going through the motions of an apology.

Isolation

Isolation, which involves separating a student from their peers as a means of punishment, was once a common practice in schools. This could involve sending a student to a separate room or making them sit alone at lunch or recess. The idea was that the student would reflect on their behavior and be more likely to comply in the future. However, research has shown that isolation can be incredibly damaging to a child’s mental health and can actually lead to more behavioral problems in the long run. It can also be a form of exclusionary discipline that disproportionately impacts students of color and those with disabilities.

Withholding Recess

Withholding recess was another common form of punishment in schools in the past. Students who misbehaved would be required to sit out during recess or even miss it altogether. The idea was that the loss of this privilege would motivate students to comply with the rules in the future. However, we now know that recess is an essential part of a child’s school day, providing important opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and creative play. Withholding recess as a means of punishment can actually be counterproductive, leading to more behavioral problems and disengagement from school.

Public Rankings

Public rankings, which involve publicly comparing students’ academic or behavioral performance, were once a common practice in schools. Teachers would post students’ grades or behavior charts on the wall for all to see, with the idea that this would motivate students to improve. However, research has shown that public rankings can be incredibly damaging to students’ self-esteem and motivation. They can also create a competitive and judgmental classroom environment that is not conducive to learning. Today, educators focus on providing individualized feedback and support to help each student reach their full potential.

Shaming Punishments

Shaming punishments, which involve publicly embarrassing or humiliating a student as a means of discipline, were once a common practice in schools. This could involve anything from making a student wear a sign around their neck to announcing their misbehavior over the intercom. The idea was that the shame and embarrassment would deter future misbehavior. However, we now know that shaming punishments can be incredibly damaging to a child’s self-esteem and mental health. They can also backfire, leading to resentment and defiance rather than compliance.

Corporal Punishment with Objects

In addition to spanking or striking students with their hands, some teachers in the past would use objects like paddles, rulers, or even belts to administer corporal punishment. These objects were often kept in the classroom as a visible reminder of the consequences of misbehavior. However, the use of objects in corporal punishment is now seen as particularly egregious and abusive. It can cause serious physical injury and trauma, and it sends the message that violence is an acceptable means of solving problems.

Forcing Students to Miss Lunch

Another punishment that was once common in schools was forcing students to miss lunch as a consequence for misbehavior. This could involve making a student sit in the classroom or even in the principal’s office during lunchtime. The idea was that the discomfort and hunger would motivate the student to comply with the rules in the future. However, we now know that proper nutrition is essential for a child’s physical and cognitive development. Withholding food as a means of punishment is not only ineffective but also potentially harmful to a child’s health and well-being.

Publicly Posting Behavior Charts

Publicly posting behavior charts, which involve displaying a student’s behavioral infractions for all to see, was once a common practice in classrooms. Teachers would use color-coded charts or other systems to track students’ behavior throughout the day, with the idea that this public accountability would motivate students to comply with the rules. However, research has shown that public behavior charts can be shaming and stigmatizing for students, particularly those who struggle with behavioral challenges. They can also foster a negative classroom environment that is more focused on punishment than on support and growth.

Sending Students to the Principal’s Office for Minor Infractions

In the past, it was common for teachers to send students to the principal’s office for even minor infractions, such as talking out of turn or not following directions. The idea was that this escalation of consequences would deter future misbehavior and maintain order in the classroom. However, we now know that this approach can actually be counterproductive, leading to a cycle of punishment and disengagement from school.

Corporal Punishment in Front of Other Students

Perhaps the most egregious form of discipline used in schools in the past was administering corporal punishment in front of other students. This could involve spanking or striking a student in front of their classmates, or even in front of the entire school at an assembly. The idea was that this public spectacle would serve as a deterrent to others and maintain order through fear and intimidation. However, this practice is now recognized as incredibly traumatic and damaging to both the student being punished and those who witness it. It sends the message that violence and humiliation are acceptable means of solving problems, and it can have long-lasting effects on a child’s mental health and well-being.

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