The act of spanking is back on the cards for misbehaved students in Missouri

Parents in a small town in the U.S. state of Missouri have been notified about the return of corporal punishment in the classroom.

Cassville parents have reportedly been handed consent forms to sign. The policy explains how, and when the “use physical force as a method of correcting student behavior” can be used.

While teachers will not be permitted to strike a student’s head of face the policy does not specify the type of punishment allowed.

The school district behind the move said it will be used “only when all other alternative means of discipline have failed” and needs to be administered without any “chance of bodily injury or harm”.

Corporal punishment was used quite widely across the U.S. during the 19th and 20th Centuries but has since faded.

While the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it was constitutional in 1977, most states have prohibited the practice.

Around 19 U.S. still allow corporal punishment in the classroom.