A video has recently gone viral, showing a Georgia kindergartener being spanked with a large paddle as punishment for his behavior in class. It is hard to watch, to say the least. The boy squirms and twists as officials try to hold him in place. “Don't spank me," he cries, as he seeks help from his mom. As a mother of two kids in the Georgia public school system, I found this video particularly gut wrenching.

Georgia law allows the use of corporal punishment for all students, and leaves it up to each school district to decide how and when it is applied. This boy’s mother did not want her son to be paddled, but she was threatened with legal repercussions if she did not allow it. As horrible as the ordeal was for her, she decided to record video of it, so at least the world could see what these so-called “child care professionals” are doing to students who misbehave.

These educators in Jasper County, Georgia have failed this young student. They should have the experience and knowledge to address the root of his behavioral issues, rather than resorting to physical violence to make their point.

19 states still allow corporal punishment in schools. This is an outrage, as the practice is barbaric and outdated, and research has proven that it is ineffective as a discipline tool. The only way to prevent students from suffering this type of violence is to repeal every law in the US allowing corporal punishment in schools, and that will only happen if we, the people, speak out against them.

Please join me in calling on Georgia lawmakers to lead the charge in outlawing corporal punishment in schools.