(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A bill that would ban physical forms of punishment in private schools has passed in the Illinois House.
Slapping, paddling and other physical punishments of students were banned in Illinois public schools in 1994.
A bill introduced by State Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, would extend that ban to private schools.
Croke said she doesn’t know how big of an issue this is. But she adds that she’s concerned there's no information about the use of physical punishment in Illinois private schools.
“I’d rather be safe than sorry,” she said.
Students who are physically punished are at greater risk of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, she said.
To become law, the bill needs approval from the Illinois Senate and the governor's signature.
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