Switch (corporal punishment)

Switches are typically made of strong and flexible wood such as hazel, birch, or hickory.

In the Southeastern United States, fresh-cut, flexible cane (Arundinaria) is commonly used.

[citation needed] In the 20th and 21st centuries the use of corporal punishment has been criticized, in both North America and Europe.

[1] Making a switch involves cutting it from the stem and removing twigs or directly attached leaves.

[citation needed] For optimal flexibility, it is cut fresh shortly before use, rather than keeping it for re-use over time.