Using physical force such as spanking or paddling as a means of discipline is called corporal punishment, which has been banned from public schools in many states. Other states either explicitly allow the use of corporal punishment in statute or allow individual school districts to come up with their own policies, usually within certain limits. Most states give parents who oppose the use of corporal punishment the option to exempt their child. However, it's important to remember that even in states where corporal punishment is widely practiced, infliction of extreme pain or bodily injury is illegal and may be charged as child abuse.
Corporal Punishment in Kansas Public Schools: Overview
Kansas law does not specifically address the use of corporal punishment, although it is practiced by some districts. A bill considered by lawmakers in 2014 would have made it legal for those who use corporal punishment to leave bruises or red marks, but it never advanced in the legislature.
The chart below lists additional information about corporal punishment in public schools in Kansas. See FindLaw's School Discipline section for related articles and resources, including School Discipline History.
| Code Section | No statutory provisions  |
| Punishment Allowed | Although the limited use of physical force as a means of punishment by teachers and administrators in public schools is allowed, there is no statutory guidance. |
| Circumstances Allowable | - |
Note: State laws are always subject to change, usually through the enactment of new statutes but sometimes through higher court decisions or other means. We do our best to ensure the accuracy of these pages, but you also may want to contact a Kansas education attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Other Types of Punishment Generally Allowed in Public Schools
State laws vary quite a bit with respect to corporal punishment, which once was the predominant form of punishment in schools. While some schools still allow paddling or spanking as a form of discipline (often allowing parents to opt out), most states have adopted other methods for maintaining order in the classroom, such as:
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Kansas Corporal Punishment in Public School Laws: Related Resources
