It is the position of ASCA that corporal punishment be abolished in schools and in other child care and educational institutions.

THE RATIONALE:
As school counselors, we believe that corporal punishment teaches children that violence is an acceptable way to resolve differences. We further believe that corporal punishment seriously compromises self-esteem and contradicts the fundamental right of all children to be free from bodily pain and injury. In many states, school children are the only individuals who officially may be punished, under law, by physical force.

THE COUNSELOR'S ROLE:
School counselors have a responsibility to protect the students they serve and to promote the use of positive and effective disciplinary methods. Research has shown punishment to be ineffective in teaching new behaviors and to be detrimental to teaching methods of problem solving. The school counselor can act as a resource person to school personnel for the implementation of effective intervention strategies that will facilitate positive development in the individual

It is the professional responsibility of the school counselor to actively influence public and legislative bodies to abolish corporal punishment in the schools. Counselors can encourage public recognition of the consequences of corporal punishment, can promulgate research on alternatives to corporal punishment, and can encourage legislation that would prohibit the continued use of corporal punishment in states where such use exists.

SUMMARY:
ASCA seeks the elimination of corporal punishment in schools and other places of caregiving. School counselors will promote understanding of and research on alternatives to corporal punishment, will seek legislative solutions, and will pursue more effective and affirmative discipline methods.