There should be alternatives. If a child feels unable to face the cane, they must have an alternative available. After we accept I hope that some kids, as indicated above for good medical/psycho/social reasons will be exempted Again I do not think it is unreasonable to recognize that some students will develop a moral position that is strongly opposed to corporal punishment, certainly as older students they should not be forced to comply. I would NEVER condone the restraint of a student in any situation. . Moreover, there can be arguments for opt-outs for parental conscience. But recognize that as I would see any offense in the modern world worthy of corporal punishment to be serious, so the alternative sanctions would have to be equally serious, thus unpleasant too..