School bringing back paddling as a method of punishment for students

A school in the United States is reportedly reinstating paddling as a punishment for kids - and they're looking for parents' approval.

Local news station WRDW report that the Georgia School of Innovation and the Classics in Hephizibah, Georgia sent home letters about the new disciplinary policy. They also are said to have sent "consent to paddle" forms to the parents last week. Georgia is among the 19 states that permit corporal punishment, which includes paddling, in schools. School superintendent Jody Boulineau told the outlet that around 100 forms have been returned so far - and that around one third of them are giving consent. He added:

"I've heard 'great, it's about time, 'we're so glad that this is happening again, they should've never taken it out of schools'. "All the way to 'oh my goodness I can't believe you are doing that'."

The policy will reportedly see the offending student brought behind closed doors where they will have to put their hands or knees on a piece of furniture. They will then be struck with a paddle. The publication reports that if parents agree to it, there will be a 'three strike' policy - so the student won't be paddled after the first or second incident. If parents do not agree with the policy, they will have to agree with up to five days of suspension. Mr. Boulineau added:

"I honestly feel like it's something that's not going to be used very often. Sometimes it's just kind of the threat of it being there becomes a deterrent in itself. "It's just one more tool that we have in our disciplinary toolbox that we can use."