zahavasdad
“I dont think Rebbes should touch kids in any way shape or form positive or negative.”
I second that big time. Unfortunately I had a abusive big brute of a Rebbe who (for an insignificant reason) “affectionately” smacked the living day lights out of me in one of the younger grades in elementary school. Then when he commanded me to stop crying and I didnt because I couldn’t, he beat me some more in front of the whole class. I was so shocked and hurt that a Rebbe can be so abusive. Baruch Hashem my father made sure that he was no longer employed by the Yeshiva because he threatened to call the cops and make a huge stink.
The fact is if its off limits to touch a kid then there will be less abuse because the Rebbe and teacher know that it wont be tolerated.
One thing I can promise you, one beating can ruin a kids life. Its just not worth it to allow Rabbeim/teachers to touch kids period!