When I was a child, I was often puzzled as to why they did this, and it still puzzles me today.
The little shorts we wore, gave teachers unlimited access to our bare thighs, and smacking on the thighs hurt just as much, perhaps more than on our bare bottom cheeks.
It did not embarrass or bother me overly much, or any of the other boys either.
Had our shorts and underpants been pulled DOWN, however,that would have been a far different kettle of fish!
it makes me wonder if the ladies were experiencing some covert pleasure from this practice,as among the women teachers it was almost a set routine.
Or was it perhaps simply a reflection of a more womanly or motherly attitude toward the boys?