TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) - Some Florida parents can now permit schools to use corporal punishment on their children.

A new state law allows families to opt into the practice, but only if their school district permits it. Florida is one of 14 states that still allow corporal punishment in public schools.

Under the law, school districts that allow corporal punishment must adopt a formal policy approved by the school board. Parents can then choose to sign a consent form authorizing school staff to use it.

Katie Becker, who leads Parenting Matters, a nonprofit that supports families across the Suncoast, believes corporal punishment is harmful.

More Florida Politics:

“We have evidence and research showing corporal punishment adversely affects a child’s future ou

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