I remember when I worked at a special education school back in the early 2000's, the school had a time out room. The child I worked with used to get violent and throw chairs and desks and stuff, and we were supposed to take him in there when he got violent. We were supposed to hold the door shut so he couldn't get out. Supposedly it was for safety reasons... there were mats in there and the light was turned on, although the children inside could turn it off if they wanted to... but I felt like it was often used as a punishment.
- Angel (http://diaryofanalien1.blogspot.com)