Some people have questioned the contemporary, positive, and more gentle approach in chinuch advocated by most gedolim and mechanchim from the gemara in Kesuvos 50a which recommends using a harsh approach when learning with children over the age of 12, including corporal punishment and withholding food (see Rashi). In response, I would like to bring up the following issues:

The intentions behind the discipline

Perhaps in earlier times parents (and teachers) were more likely to discipline out of a feeling of responsibility toward the child and less out of anger and feelings of ownership. This would make a tremendous difference in regard to the impact on the child.

Read more: Corporal Punishment Today