A school district in southwestern Missouri decided to bring back spanking as a form of discipline for students if their parents agree despite warnings from many public health experts that the practice is detrimental to students.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1977 that corporal punishment is constitutional and left it up to states to set their own policies. Craven said 19 states, many in the South, have laws allowing it in schools.

The most current data from 2017-18 shows about 70,000 children in the U.S. were hit at least once in their schools.

Is spanking allowed in Missouri schools?

A Missouri school district reinstated spanking if parents give their approval.

The policy says corporal punishment will be used only when other forms of discipline have failed and then only with the superintendent’s permission.

Superintendent Merlyn Johnson told The Springfield News-Leader that the decision came after an anonymous survey found that parents, students, and school employees were concerned about student behavior and discipline.