16 strokes of the cane for cheating on a test: Yumi Bennett pays a painful price The whistle and meaty thwack of a springy rattan cane across Yumi Bennetts bare bottom sends a clear message to any student thinking of cheating at Private School. “The sound of the cane as it swings through the air is scary,” admits Yumi, “and the sting is really sharp, especially on my bare skin.” Are 16 strokes a tough but fair penalty?