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"With a class of 25 children, there is no way that a teacher can ensure that a paddling is immediate, conditional, proportionate to the offense, and delivered by a loving assistant principal," Jones said.

Psychological effects

A study published in the February issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that physical punishment of children increases the risk of negative developmental outcomes, such as harming parent-child relationships and, in some cases, psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, the report found, there were no studies that found corporal punishment "enhanced developmental health." Studies also have linked the use of spanking to increased aggression, depression and poor scholastic performance.

When parents spank, they do get immediate compliance from a child, says George Holden, a Southern Methodist University psychology professor. But that short-term effect fails to acknowledge that often a parent will be forced to use physical punishment repeatedly to address the same offense. In other words: Spanking doesn't teach children how to control themselves or make positive decisions about their behavior; it just momentarily stops the misbehavior, Holden says.

"Kids are focusing on 'my parent hurt me,' (they are) not focusing on their misbehaving or learning to accept the parent's message," Holden said.

But Jones points out there are studies that seem to indicate that mild, non-abusive spanking by loving parents isn't harmful to children. Research also supports the notion that "conditional" spanking is as beneficial as many alternate forms of discipline, such as using a time out, he said.

Rev. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., of Memphis, Tenn., who advocates the use of corporal punishment in schools, agrees.

"Many of these kids are out of control and what they want and what they need is love and attention," said Whalum, a member of the Shelby County Board of Education. "They interpret physical correction as love and attention and affection."

That idea is supported by Washington and other readers who responded to The Times' request for input on their experiences with corporal punishment.

"A paddling in school is one of the best things that ever happened to me," said Sue Johnson in an e-mail to The Times. "It showed me someone cared enough to notice I was being disruptive."

Some experts disagree, saying corporal punishment can make children feel bad about themselves and unworthy.

"The emotion impact is it makes the kids feel disliked," says Alvin F. Pouissant, a psychiatry professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "Usually if you are paddled you don't feel loved - it's very un-nurturing."

Jones says while there is little quality research to show why parents shouldn't use "conditional" spanking, that doesn't mean it's use in schools should be tolerated.

"There is no evidence that corporal punishment leads to any improved educational outcomes," Jones said.