FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 22, 2025

Parenting Matters Executive Director Katie Becker Demands End to Corporal Punishment in Schools

BRADENTON, Fla. — July 22, 2025 — Florida House Bill 1255, the state’s new law restricting corporal punishment in schools, is “a meaningful step,” said Parenting Matters Executive Director Katie Becker, “but it doesn’t go far enough.” In a forceful statement, Becker emphasized that no form of corporal punishment belongs in educational settings, instead calling for discipline that nurtures trust, respect and long-term development.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BECKER: “The new corporal punishment law is a meaningful step toward recognizing parents’ rights and encouraging positive discipline, but it doesn’t go far enough. Corporal punishment should not be allowed in any school, private or public. Parents and guardians should be the sole administrators of their child’s discipline, not overworked English and math teachers.

At Parenting Matters, we see the passage of this new policy as an opportunity to help families understand the long-term impact of their choices, especially how fear-based discipline, including corporal punishment in schools, can disrupt learning and weaken a child’s trust in both caregivers and school authorities.

Parenting Matters will never encourage the use of humiliation, degradation or corporal punishment in disciplining children of any age. Instead, we promote nurturing, respectful approaches that strengthen relationships and support the healthy development of every child.”

###
About Parenting Matters

Parenting Matters strengthens families in Southwest Florida through evidence-based parenting education and support. Since 1994, we’ve helped parents of children ages 0–17 build skills, confidence and stronger bonds with their kids.

As one of only 67 nationally Accredited Child Abuse Prevention Centers — and one of just three in Florida — we deliver high-quality, personalized programs in both English and Spanish. From in-home visits to group workshops, we meet families where they are, often at no cost.

Mission: Advancing the lives of children, together, with their parents.

Vision: A future where all children have the chance to succeed.

Media contact

Rebekah Prieto, Director of Development and Marketing

Office: (941) 756 – 3007 | Cell: (928) 830 – 9579 | RPrieto@ParentingMattersFL.org