I was unfortunate to experience the cane at age 15, 4 strokes. It hurt but it was all over in less than 30 seconds and I do not recall it hurting for more than a few moments. Although there was some bruising they were gone in a day or so.
That was similar to the canings I had. Although being caned isn’t a pleasant experience, it’s over very quickly. In general, canings were intended to cause considerable discomfort although I did receive one, what I would call, “token” caning – four strokes. I doubt even the “six of the VERY best” I got the third time I was caught smoking was anything like the brutal beatings some have described here.
“Token” slipperings were much more common. Just two or three whacks in front of the class and most of the sting had worn off by the time I got back to my desk. Even a “proper” slippering wasn’t all that bad.