caning

Caning refers to a method of corporal punishment using a cane, typically a flexible rod made from rattan or a similar material. It is delivered by striking the buttocks, and sometimes the thighs or hands, with the aim of causing pain as a disciplinary or punitive measure. The severity depends on the cane, number of strokes, and the force used; injuries can range from temporary welts to more serious harm.

Historically, caning has been used in educational and judicial settings in various parts of the world, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. In schools, it was used as a form of discipline; in some legal systems, caning was part of a sentence. Over the past decades, many countries have restricted or abolished school caning, and some jurisdictions restrict or outlaw judicial caning as well.

In the modern era, legal caning persists in only a limited number of places, and penalties vary by jurisdiction. In many nations, corporal punishment in schools is prohibited, and courts may employ other forms of punishment. Institutions such as military or prison disciplines may still use caning in limited circumstances where permitted by law.

Caning also appears in consensual adult sexual practices within BDSM communities. In this context, the act is performed with explicit consent, negotiated limits, and often safewords, with emphasis on safety and aftercare. Participants acknowledge risks such as bruising, tissue damage, or pain aftereffects.

As a cultural and legal practice, caning remains controversial, raising debates about human rights, physical integrity, and consent.