It really is the most bizarre thing and I don't think they are trained I personally think they are scared
yep. I doubt the kids will see it as "tool of correction" when they are older but will see it for what it is, something that they get hit with if they don't sit still. Besides children don't sit still and they find it hard to be quiet, I don't think there's any need to go that far even if they are somewhere that requires them to be on their best behaviour. If adults want kids at a wedding or church or anywhere else then they should expect wriggling and noise and possibly even disruption. What kind of power tripping parent makes their kids practice for up to an hour?