EKanne, I was pleased to read your posting as I now feel I'm not the only cruel teacher from those days in Scotland! I regret it now, but it was the norm then, and I hardly ever used the belt, just a few times. I managed perfectly well after all corporal punishment was banned. I was strict and tough, so had no trouble. I have a horrible suspicion that caning and belting awoke a sinister pleasure in certain individuals, both users and victims, which was very unsavoury. There were numerous references to 'caning' eg in The Boys' Own Paper, Beano and Dandy, which revelled in the practice. Dodgy!