And we're not talking cricket bats with spikes in for discipline...
When I look back on my life and I think about the time I got a smack because I stole my mum's car at 13 and crashed into a tree I have to admit I probably deserved that. Likewise the time at school where I was caught shoving someone in a rubbish bin and then sitting on the lid for a few mins while my mates kicked the bin.

In both cases I only committed those mistakes twice. I could have been a career criminal ,but the light beatings probably helped me on the right track.

Also, I'm not religious, but the bible advocates a good beating. I hate to argue with religious zealots because you never win...

"He who spareth the rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him correcteth him betimes" (Proverbs 13:24)

"Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou strike him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and deliver his soul from hell." (Proverbs 23:13-14)
(The Archduke of South London I'm in your Girlfriend eating her organs, Tue 6 Mar 2012, 15:08, Reply)