I used the cane and I now wonder if I was right to do so.

I was a teacher from the late 1960s until the late 1980s - a fairly short career as these things go although I was quite successful - spent my last few years as a Head Teacher.

Part of my job was to use corporal punishment. I believed then that I was doing this in the best interests of the children I taught and I'd like to continue to believe that. But I find myself in a world now where we're constantly being told this was bad for children and that worries me immensely. I just can't reconcile it with what I saw as a teacher. I saw it work. I saw it turn children around. I saw it help children. I really do think that's true. But I take psychological and pedagogical research seriously and I can't reconcile it with what I saw myself.

I am honestly horrified at the idea I might have harmed these children.

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davidlewis · M

I am 63 - I remember many school beltings - over hands as was common in Scotland and other punishments. Often it was the best teachers who used the belt more. The very teachers who helped pupils above and beyond duty. One teacher taught Technical Drawing he was feared and respected. But worked hard to ensure all the boys leaving had jobs to go to and many boys enjoyed meeting him after leaving. Another teacher taught boxing at a club - I learned well from him as did others. He was a belt first and ask questions later man, When two former pupils goy in trouble with the law - car theft. He spoke on thier behalf in court. I think you would have a very similar approach.

jackcros · 70-79, M

@davidlewis i had teachers like that. They were strict and didn’t hesitate to give us a strapping, but, provided that we were trying our best, they would go out of their way to help us with our studies.