🧒 Stop Legalized Violence Against Children in Tennessee
The Issue
Petition to the Tennessee General Assembly and Governor Bill Lee
Every child deserves to grow up safe — not in fear of being hit by the people meant to protect them.
But right now in Tennessee, it’s still legal for parents, guardians, and even schools to physically discipline children — including spanking, paddling, and striking with objects — as long as it’s deemed “reasonable.”
That word — reasonable — has allowed generations of children to suffer pain, humiliation, and trauma under the guise of “discipline.” It’s time for that to end.
💔 Why This Matters
Physical punishment has been proven to cause lasting emotional and psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and aggression.
63 countries around the world — including Sweden, Israel, and South Korea — have banned corporal punishment entirely. Tennessee is lagging behind the global standard for child safety.
There are safe, effective, non-violent ways to teach and discipline children that build trust instead of fear.
No child’s wellbeing should depend on whether an adult’s “discipline” crosses a blurry legal line.
🧾 What We’re Demanding
We call on the Tennessee General Assembly and Governor Bill Lee to:
1. Pass legislation prohibiting any form of physical discipline — including spanking, paddling, hitting, or striking — against minors under 18, in homes, schools, and childcare facilities.
2. Replace corporal punishment with positive discipline education programs for parents and caregivers.
3. Strengthen and clarify Tennessee Code Title 39 and Title 37 to ensure children are protected equally from physical violence — no exceptions.
🗣️ What You Can Do
Sign this petition to demand change now.
Share it across your social media — your voice helps protect Tennessee’s children.
Tag your legislators and ask them to stand up for kids.
The way we treat children defines the kind of society we are. Let’s make Tennessee a place where no child is hurt in the name of “teaching them a lesson.”
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Sign. Share. Speak up. Because love never needs to leave a bruise.
3
The Issue
Petition to the Tennessee General Assembly and Governor Bill Lee
Every child deserves to grow up safe — not in fear of being hit by the people meant to protect them.
But right now in Tennessee, it’s still legal for parents, guardians, and even schools to physically discipline children — including spanking, paddling, and striking with objects — as long as it’s deemed “reasonable.”
That word — reasonable — has allowed generations of children to suffer pain, humiliation, and trauma under the guise of “discipline.” It’s time for that to end.
💔 Why This Matters
Physical punishment has been proven to cause lasting emotional and psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and aggression.
63 countries around the world — including Sweden, Israel, and South Korea — have banned corporal punishment entirely. Tennessee is lagging behind the global standard for child safety.
There are safe, effective, non-violent ways to teach and discipline children that build trust instead of fear.
No child’s wellbeing should depend on whether an adult’s “discipline” crosses a blurry legal line.
🧾 What We’re Demanding
We call on the Tennessee General Assembly and Governor Bill Lee to:
1. Pass legislation prohibiting any form of physical discipline — including spanking, paddling, hitting, or striking — against minors under 18, in homes, schools, and childcare facilities.
2. Replace corporal punishment with positive discipline education programs for parents and caregivers.
3. Strengthen and clarify Tennessee Code Title 39 and Title 37 to ensure children are protected equally from physical violence — no exceptions.
🗣️ What You Can Do
Sign this petition to demand change now.
Share it across your social media — your voice helps protect Tennessee’s children.
Tag your legislators and ask them to stand up for kids.
The way we treat children defines the kind of society we are. Let’s make Tennessee a place where no child is hurt in the name of “teaching them a lesson.”
---
Sign. Share. Speak up. Because love never needs to leave a bruise.
Petition Updates
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Petition created on October 4, 2025