Iowa One of Only 5 States That Provides a Student This Protection

Iowa stands out as one of only five states in the U.S. that prohibits corporal punishment in schools. This policy reflects the state's commitment to alternative disciplinary methods and a focus on student well-being.  Illinois is a little late to this action but has just passed laws restricting corporal punishment but those laws do not take effect until January 2025.

Iowa Law regarding corporal punishment. 281-103.3(256B,280). Ban on corporal punishment and prone and mechanical restraints.

An employee shall not inflict, or cause to be inflicted, corporal punishment upon a student or use prone restraints or mechanical restraints upon a student.

What is considered Corporal Punishment?

According to the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments "Corporal punishment" means the intentional physical punishment of a student. "Corporal punishment" includes the use of unreasonable or unnecessary physical force, or physical contact made with the intent to harm or cause pain.

What is prone restraint?

The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments says "Prone restraint" means any restraint in which the child is held face down on the floor

What does Iowa allow when dealing with students?

Iowa defines what is allowable with this definition, "Reasonable and necessary force" is that force, and no more, which a reasonable person would judge to be necessary under the circumstances that existed at the time, that is not intended to cause pain, and that does not exceed the degree or duration required to accomplish the purposes set forth in rule 281-103.5(256B,280).

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States where corporal punishment is legal

HealthyChildren.org reports that as of August 2023, 17 states still allow corporal punishment in schools, though it's sometimes restricted.  These states include Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Alabama. It's also legal in all private schools, except for Iowa, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York. \

How many students have been disciplined?

National Education Association Stats show in 2017 - 2018, about 69,000, students were physically disciplined in public schools, down from 107,000 in 2013.  In 2020 - 2021, the number dropped to around 20,000, but this may be due to disruptions caused by the pandemic.

How is it administered?

The National Institutes of Health reports in 79% of reported cases, objects are used, with wooden paddles being the most common. Students are usually struck twice, and 82% report some pain, with 22% reporting bruises or other injuries. The most common emotional reactions are anger and embarrassment. 

Does hitting children truly correct behavior?

In the end, I'll leave you with this from Diana Divecha, Ph.D.  "Hitting Children Leads to Trauma, Not Better Behavior".