Belting is the use of
belts made of strong materials (usually
leather) as a
whip-like instrument for
corporal punishment (see that article for generalities). It is most often associated with
educational institutions where it has been used as
disciplinary measure but it has also been applied domestically by parents. This practice has now been abolished by most schools, at least in the
Western world, as it is seen by many as abusive and excessive
punishment, though many parents, especially fathers, still beat their children with a belt.