Corporal Punishment in Arkansas Public Schools: A Mixed Methods Analysis

Esaa Mohammad Sabti Samarah, Ellen M. Chiocca, Lisa Schelbe, Myranda James, Maria Lambdin, Akelia Creggitt, School of Social Work, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, College of Social Work, Florida State University, Alliance to End the Hitting of Children

Child Maltreatment

Published online on July 30, 2026

Abstract

Child Maltreatment, Ahead of Print.
Objective:Despite decades of evidence documenting the harm of corporal punishment (CP), the practice remains legal in Arkansas public schools. This study examined how CP is authorized, implemented, and justified across Arkansas school districts and ...