"Spare the rod and spoil the child"..NOT !!
I'm sure lawyers will be contacting the kids to sue Daddy.
I'm one of those who was hit with a belt...Did I learn respect that way ?..Heck no.
My Grandma used a switch from a willow-tree.
My school (back in the day) allowed the Principal to spank/paddle..we had a choice take the spank or detention..I always took the spank

My opinion for what it's worth...Spanking is fine, but never out of anger, and never with a "weapon".
By the time the child is 5 or 6 it's time to punish or "time-out".
Not such a good idea to want a Principal/Child abuser to return...What are they ?..nuts ?

I also believe in making the punishment fit the crime...I say 50 lashes with an extention cord !