The last time I was paddled in a public school was in Indianapolis, Indiana when I was in the 8th grade (13 years old), but I was paddled in a private school the following year. Both times were with a wooden paddle with a few holes drilled into it, and both times I had some minor bruising. Also, both times my father basically said, "I guess that will teach you not to disobey the rules, won't it?" Frankly, it didn't seem wrong to me then, and it doesn't particularly seem wrong to me now as I look back on it. My parents agreed with it. I was told in advance what the consequences of my rebellious actions would be, and I got those consequences. I would never have been paddled had I not disobeyed in a significant manner.

However, I would never agree as a parent to allow another adult to paddle my child in that way. I'm with Matt on that point. Oh, and by the way, I don't think corporal punishment has been allowed in public schools in Indiana for some years now.