Rethinking School Discipline: The Harmful Effects Of Suspension

Axel S�rensen

6 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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The Academic Impact of School Suspension

School suspension significantly impacts a student's academic progress and future opportunities. The immediate and long-term effects of suspensions in schools cannot be ignored.

Increased Absenteeism and Falling Grades

Suspension directly translates to missed classes, falling behind on coursework, and ultimately, lower grades. The consequences of this lost learning time are far-reaching:

• Increased likelihood of dropping out: Students who are frequently suspended are significantly more likely to drop out of school. The disruption to their education and the negative feelings associated with suspension create a cycle of disengagement.
• Difficulty catching up on missed material: Even if a student returns to school, catching up on missed assignments and understanding complex concepts can be extremely challenging, often leading to further academic struggles.
• Negative impact on GPA: Missed tests, assignments, and the overall disruption to learning inevitably lead to a lower GPA, potentially affecting college applications and future opportunities. Studies have shown a strong correlation between suspension rates and lower GPAs.

Disruption of Learning Continuity

Beyond missed classes, school suspension disrupts the learning process in profound ways. The effects of school suspension extend beyond just missed lessons:

• Loss of classroom interaction: Suspension prevents students from participating in class discussions, group activities, and the overall learning environment, hindering their ability to engage with the material and their peers.
• Difficulty forming relationships with teachers and peers: The social isolation caused by suspension makes it harder for students to build positive relationships with teachers and classmates, creating further barriers to learning and reintegration.
• Missed opportunities for learning and development: Suspension means missed opportunities for enrichment activities, extracurricular involvement, and the development of social and emotional skills crucial for academic success. The impact on standardized test scores is also significant, as interrupted learning negatively affects performance.

The Social and Emotional Consequences of School Suspension

The negative effects of school suspension extend far beyond academics, impacting students' social, emotional, and mental well-being.

Increased Risk of Delinquency and Criminal Behavior

Suspension is often linked to increased involvement in delinquent and criminal activities. The removal from a structured school environment places students at greater risk:

• Exposure to negative influences outside of school: Suspended students may spend more time with peers involved in risky behaviors, increasing their likelihood of engaging in similar activities.
• Lack of positive role models: The absence of positive adult influences and structured activities during suspension can lead to a lack of guidance and support.
• Cycle of school failure and delinquency: Suspension can create a vicious cycle, where school failure leads to suspension, which in turn exacerbates school failure and increases the likelihood of delinquent behavior. Research consistently demonstrates this correlation.

Negative Impact on Mental Health

Suspension significantly impacts students' mental health, leading to feelings of isolation, shame, and depression:

• Increased feelings of shame and failure: Being suspended can be deeply stigmatizing, leading to feelings of shame and failure that can have lasting effects on self-esteem.
• Damage to self-esteem: The negative perception of suspension can damage a student's self-worth and confidence, impacting their ability to succeed academically and socially.
• Increased risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts: Studies have linked school suspension to increased rates of self-harm and suicidal ideation, highlighting the severity of its emotional consequences. The social isolation and feelings of failure associated with suspension can significantly impact mental health.

Damage to Student-Teacher Relationships

School suspension erodes the trust and rapport between students and teachers, creating further challenges upon their return to school:

• Erosion of trust: Suspension can damage the relationship between students and teachers, making it harder to rebuild trust and foster a positive learning environment.
• Difficulty building rapport: The negative experience of suspension can make it difficult for students to re-engage with their teachers and build positive relationships.
• Increased disciplinary issues upon return to school: The lack of support and damaged relationships can lead to increased disciplinary problems after a student returns from suspension.

Alternative Disciplinary Approaches to School Suspension

Instead of relying on punitive measures like school suspension, schools should adopt alternative disciplinary approaches focused on restorative practices and positive behavior support:

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and fostering understanding rather than solely on punishment. These methods promote a more supportive school climate:

• Conflict resolution: Restorative practices provide opportunities for students to resolve conflicts peacefully through mediation and dialogue.
• Mediation: Mediation sessions allow students involved in conflicts to discuss the situation, understand each other's perspectives, and find solutions together.
• Community service: Instead of suspension, community service can provide opportunities for students to make amends for their actions and contribute positively to their community.
• Opportunities for amends and rehabilitation: Restorative practices offer students the chance to take responsibility for their behavior, learn from their mistakes, and make amends for any harm caused. Many successful restorative justice programs demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS aims to prevent disciplinary issues through proactive strategies and positive reinforcement, fostering a more positive and supportive school environment:

• Classroom management techniques: Effective classroom management strategies, including clear expectations and consistent routines, can reduce the likelihood of disciplinary problems.
• Social-emotional learning programs: Social-emotional learning programs equip students with the skills they need to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible choices.
• Clear expectations and consequences: Clearly defined expectations and consistent consequences for misbehavior help students understand the boundaries and the consequences of crossing them.
• Rewards systems: Rewards systems recognize and reinforce positive behavior, motivating students to make good choices.

Addressing Underlying Issues

Addressing the root causes of students' misbehavior is crucial for effective discipline. Many factors contribute to behavioral issues:

• Individualized support plans: Individualized support plans address specific needs, such as learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or trauma.
• Access to mental health services: Providing access to mental health services can help address underlying issues that contribute to behavioral problems.
• Collaboration with parents and community resources: Collaboration with parents and community resources ensures a holistic approach to supporting students and addressing their needs.

Conclusion

School suspension has demonstrably harmful effects on students' academic performance, social-emotional well-being, and future prospects. The negative consequences of suspensions in schools outweigh any perceived benefits. We must move away from punitive disciplinary practices and embrace more effective and humane alternatives. Let's work together to rethink school discipline and find effective alternatives to harmful school suspensions, creating a better future for all students. Contact your local school board or organizations advocating for educational reform to advocate for change and support the implementation of restorative justice and PBIS programs in your community.