Corporal Punishment counselors have a responsibility to protect students and to promote healthy student development using multitiered systems of support that incorporate evidence-based practices and strategies in administering discipline and teaching new behaviors promoting positive social/emotional development. Recognizing culture influences on views of corporal punishment, the school counselor serves as a resource to school personnel and families for the use of effective intervention and alternative discipline strategies.
Corporal Punishment counselors encourage public awareness of the consequences of corporal punishment, provide strategies on alternatives to corporal punishment and
encourage legislation prohibiting the continued use of corporal punishment. School counselors collaborate with families and school staff to build positive relationships between students and adults with effective alternatives to corporal punishment including but not limited to:
• using behavioral contracts
• setting realistic expectations
• enforcing rules consistently
• creating appropriate and logical consequences for inappropriate behavior
• conferencing with students and/or families with school personnel for planning and reinforcing acceptable behavior
• emphasizing students’ positive behaviors
• teaching pro-social, mediation and resolution skills as methods of problem solving
• providing information on parenting programs
• promoting emotional regulation
• teaching and implementing mindfulness practices