Handcuffed by Fear: How Fear of Discipline is Destroying America’s Public Schools

 

America's academic downfall stems from its obsession with children's "feelings" over their futures. The solution? A little discipline now to prevent a lot of failure later. Simply put, discipline is not child abuse; it is a life skill. Parents and teachers need to reclaim their authority without fearing false abuse accusations from undisciplined children.

It seems the more money the U.S. throws at public education, the more academic achievement falls like a house of cards. Year after year, billions of dollars are funneled into public schools to improve student performance, yet the results show a decline that should alarm us all. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), American students performed far worse in math in 2022 than they did in 2003. The numbers don’t lie: the average math score dropped by 18 points, from 483 to 465. While math is the language of the future in a world ruled by science and technology, it seems American public schools are losing their grasp on it. If this downward trend continues, the U.S. risks becoming a minor player in the global arena of mathematics and science.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the U.S. government is spending outrageous amounts on public schools. Despite this, academic performance has not just stagnated—it has plummeted. The truth is, no matter how much the government spends on new textbooks, technology, or fancy programs, children who don’t have the discipline to sit still and actually study will continue to fail. Throwing money at the problem won't make it go away, and no amount of government funding can replace a fundamental need for discipline and structure. The core issue is not a lack of resources but a lack of respect for the process of learning itself.

Discipline has become a dirty word in today’s society. Many American kids don’t naturally possess the discipline to sit down, crack open a book, and focus. This type of discipline needs to be instilled over time, primarily by parents and teachers. Unfortunately, both have had their hands tied behind their backs. In today's world, a teacher or parent who tries to enforce discipline is more likely to be threatened with legal action by their own students or children. Kids know they can just dial 911 and cry "child abuse" the moment they’re reprimanded. This culture of fear has left parents and teachers powerless, and as a result, students run wild.

When we look back to the days of our grandparents, the discipline system in both homes and schools was vastly different. Back then, teachers and parents had the authority to enforce discipline, and it wasn’t seen as abuse—it was seen as guidance. A little corporal punishment—a slap on the wrist or a scolding—helped children understand the importance of respect and hard work. This was not about instilling fear but about instilling focus. Many of today’s successful adults, including doctors, engineers, and business leaders, grew up in homes and schools where discipline was non-negotiable. And guess what? They turned out just fine—if not better.

Modern society, especially the extreme left liberals, have become so hypersensitive that any mention of the word “punishment” causes an uproar. The idea of discipline has been warped beyond recognition, to the point where it is seen as a form of oppression. But we must ask ourselves: How do we expect students to learn without discipline? How can we expect them to respect education when they have no respect for their teachers or parents?

Discipline is not the enemy; it’s the solution. If parents and teachers had the power to enforce discipline without fearing a visit from the police, children would develop the habits necessary for academic success. Over time, this discipline would become second nature. They would learn to focus, to listen, and to respect authority. This respect for authority is critical—not only in education but in every aspect of life. The values children learn in the classroom—punctuality, respect for elders, obedience—will follow them into the workforce and adulthood.

It is not a coincidence that countries like China and South Korea, where discipline in education is still a priority, continue to outperform the U.S. in every academic measure. According to the 2022 PISA rankings, students in these countries scored significantly higher in math and science than their American counterparts. These nations understand that discipline is the backbone of education. While the U.S. government throws money at the problem, these countries invest in a culture of respect, hard work, and discipline. And the results speak for themselves.

At home, education begins with parents. Any child who grows up without learning basic respect and obedience at home is unlikely to succeed in school. If parents are not empowered to discipline their children properly, what chance do teachers have? The U.S. Department of Education can pour all the money it wants into new programs, but unless students come to school prepared to learn—mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally—it will all be for nothing. Teachers should be able to enforce discipline without fear of retribution, just as parents should be able to discipline their children without worrying that their kids will accuse them of abuse.

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Education shows that American public schools spend an average of $13,000 per student each year, one of the highest in the world. Yet, academic outcomes are far from reflecting this investment. The problem isn’t the lack of funds. It’s the lack of authority given to those who are meant to shape these young minds. The current system puts too much emphasis on the “feelings” of children and not enough on the real-world consequences of academic failure.

In ancient wisdom, there’s a proverb: “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” While this may sound harsh in today’s context, the underlying truth remains. Discipline shapes behavior, and behavior shapes success. The U.S. government must stop treating public education like a financial sinkhole and start treating it like the character-building process that it is. Money cannot replace the basic values of respect, hard work, and obedience—values that are earned through discipline.

If we don’t change course soon, the U.S. will lose its competitive edge not just in math and science but in every field that requires focus and discipline. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to reverse this troubling trend. If America wants to regain its place at the top, the solution is clear: empower parents and teachers to enforce discipline without fear of legal consequences. Only then will we see the academic results that match the enormous financial investments being made.

After all, it’s hard to build a house of knowledge on a foundation of undisciplined behavior. And if we continue to prioritize feelings over facts, the house will collapse. In the end, maybe the real lesson here is that a little discipline never hurt anyone—except perhaps, the pride of those who still think throwing money will fix everything.