Understanding The Negative Impact Of School Suspensions

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Academic Consequences of School Suspensions

School suspensions directly impact a student's academic journey, often resulting in significant learning loss and hindering their overall educational success.

Increased Absenteeism and Falling Grades

The most immediate consequence of suspension is missed classes. This lost instructional time leads to a cascade of negative academic outcomes. Students struggle to keep up with coursework, resulting in:

• Decreased test scores: Missing crucial lessons directly affects performance on assessments.
• Difficulty catching up on missed material: The sheer volume of missed work can be overwhelming, making it challenging to regain academic footing.
• Increased risk of grade repetition: Failing grades due to missed classes and difficulty catching up can lead to having to repeat a grade level.

These missed classes and resulting academic struggles directly impact a student's Grade Point Average (GPA) and overall academic performance, creating a significant barrier to future educational opportunities. The cumulative effect of learning loss associated with repeated suspensions can significantly impact a student's long-term educational trajectory.

Increased Likelihood of Dropping Out

Repeated school suspensions create a vicious cycle that often leads to disengagement from school and increased likelihood of dropping out. Students who are frequently suspended may:

• Become disengaged from school: Feeling alienated and punished rather than supported can lead to a lack of motivation and apathy towards education.
• Lack crucial support systems: The disciplinary process can further isolate students, eroding the support network essential for academic success.
• Feel alienated from peers and teachers: Suspension can damage relationships with classmates and teachers, creating a hostile learning environment upon their return.

The cumulative effect of these factors significantly increases the risk of school dropout, impacting the students' future opportunities and societal contributions. High school completion rates are directly correlated to a lack of school suspensions, highlighting the importance of preventative and alternative measures.

Social and Emotional Impacts of School Suspensions

Beyond the academic repercussions, school suspensions inflict significant damage on a student's social-emotional well-being, potentially leading to long-term mental health issues and behavioral problems.

Damaged Self-Esteem and Mental Health

Suspension often creates a sense of shame, failure, and isolation, significantly impacting a student's self-esteem and mental health. Students may experience:

• Increased rates of depression and anxiety: The feeling of rejection and punishment can trigger or exacerbate underlying mental health conditions.
• Difficulty forming relationships: Social isolation stemming from suspension can make it hard to build and maintain healthy relationships.
• Negative self-perception: The experience of suspension can reinforce negative self-beliefs and lower self-worth.

These emotional consequences can have far-reaching implications, impacting a student's ability to succeed in school and in life. Addressing the mental health needs of suspended students is crucial for their overall well-being.

Increased Risk of Delinquency and Criminal Behavior

School suspension, far from being a deterrent, can actually increase the risk of delinquency and criminal behavior. Suspended students may:

• Associate with other at-risk youth: Time away from school provides opportunities to interact with individuals involved in negative behaviors.
• Lack structure and supervision: The absence of school structure can leave students vulnerable to negative influences and risky behaviors.
• Exposure to negative influences: The unsupervised time can expose students to substance abuse, gang involvement, and other harmful activities.

This increased risk of juvenile delinquency underscores the need for alternative disciplinary approaches that address the root causes of misbehavior while maintaining a student's engagement with positive influences.

Alternatives to School Suspensions

Instead of relying on suspensions, schools can implement more effective and humane approaches to address student misbehavior.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and promoting reconciliation between the student, the victim (if any), and the school community. This approach emphasizes:

• Conflict resolution skills: Students learn to address conflicts peacefully and constructively.
• Improved communication: Open dialogue helps to understand the perspectives of all involved parties.
• Fostering empathy and understanding: Restorative practices encourage empathy and responsibility for actions.

By fostering a sense of community and accountability, restorative justice helps to prevent future misbehavior and promotes a more positive school climate.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive approach that focuses on preventing behavioral issues through positive reinforcement and early intervention. Key components include:

• Early intervention: Addressing behavioral issues before they escalate helps to prevent future problems.
• Preventative measures: Creating a supportive and positive school climate reduces the likelihood of disruptive behaviors.
• Creating a positive school climate: A welcoming and inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging and reduces the need for disciplinary action.

PBIS provides a framework for creating a more supportive learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and valued, reducing the need for punitive measures like suspensions.

Conclusion

School suspensions have profound negative impacts on students' academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and future prospects. The evidence clearly shows that suspensions are not an effective disciplinary tool and often exacerbate existing problems. The detrimental effects on academic performance, mental health, and increased risk of delinquency highlight the urgent need for a shift towards alternative approaches like restorative justice and PBIS. Understanding the negative impact of school suspensions is crucial to creating safer and more supportive learning environments for all students. Let's work together to find better solutions and reduce reliance on school suspensions. For more information, explore resources from organizations like [link to relevant organization 1] and [link to relevant organization 2].