Handling discipline: Florida educators may now spank students ‘under the right circumstances’
Florida – A new law in Florida is changing how schools handle discipline. Parents can now choose whether or not to let their kids be spanked in public schools ‘under the right circumstances’, according to House Bill 1255, which went into force last month. According to the bill, districts that allow spanking must first acquire written permission from parents. Parents can give their permission for the whole school year or for each case, depending on what parents choose.
The law gives families greater power while still making the practice lawful. The National Education Association says that Florida is still one of 17 states where corporal punishment is authorized in classrooms. Lawmakers behind the change framed the bill as a way to ensure parents are fully aware and involved in the decision before their child is subjected to such discipline.
Florida classrooms had tight rules about using corporal punishment even before HB 1255. It had to be approved by the school administrator ahead of time, and it could only be done according to strict guidelines. A teacher who gave the punishment had to have another adult with them, and parents could ask for a written explanation later. These rules still apply under the new law, but now parents have to provide their permission as well.
Over the years, schools have stopped using spanking as often. According to the Florida Department of Education, just 516 instances of physical punishment were reported in schools across the state in the 2023–2024 school year. Those things happened in only 17 counties. Even though the technique is lawful, a lot of districts have chosen not to employ it at all and instead use alternative types of discipline.
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The new guidelines also apply to charter schools, which means they have to follow the same rules. This makes sure that all public schools follow the same rules when it comes to getting parents’ permission and keeping track of the procedure.
Supporters of the measure say it makes parental rights and transparency stronger. However, critics point out that there are still doubts regarding whether corporal punishment is effective or suitable in today’s classrooms. Many states have already made the practice illegal, and advocacy groups are still pushing for more restrictions.
Florida families have a clear choice right now: they can agree to physical punishment for their kids at the beginning of the year or before each occurrence, or they can choose not to participate at all. As districts adjust to the new level of responsibility and parental involvement, the outcome may make the practice happen even less often in schools.
