Why School Suspensions Are Detrimental To Students

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Academic Impact of School Suspensions

The direct link between suspension and academic setbacks is undeniable. Missing even a few days of school can lead to significant learning gaps, making it difficult for students to catch up with their peers. This lost instructional time directly impacts academic achievement, leading to lower grades, decreased grade point average (GPA), and an increased likelihood of dropping out. The consequences extend far beyond the immediate academic year; lower GPAs can severely limit future educational opportunities and limit educational attainment.

• Lost instructional time leading to learning gaps: Students miss crucial lessons, assignments, and the overall flow of learning.
• Difficulty catching up on missed material: The volume of missed work can be overwhelming, making it challenging to regain academic footing.
• Negative impact on GPA and future educational opportunities: Lower grades can impact college applications, scholarship eligibility, and future career prospects.
• Increased risk of repeating a grade: Significant academic setbacks can result in the need to repeat a grade, further delaying educational progress.

Studies consistently show a correlation between suspension rates and lower graduation rates. For example, [cite relevant research here showing the correlation between suspension and lower GPA/graduation rates]. These statistics highlight the urgent need to reconsider the widespread use of school suspensions as a primary disciplinary tool.

Social-Emotional Consequences of Suspension

Beyond the academic repercussions, school suspensions have severe social-emotional consequences. The experience of suspension often leaves students feeling isolated, alienated, angry, and depressed. This isolation can damage their self-esteem and sense of belonging within the school community. Furthermore, suspension can increase the likelihood of students engaging in risky behaviors, as they are removed from the supportive environment of the school.

• Damaged self-esteem and sense of belonging: Suspension reinforces feelings of failure and rejection.
• Increased risk of involvement in risky behaviors: Disconnected from school and peers, students become more vulnerable to negative influences.
• Strain on relationships with peers and teachers: Suspension can damage relationships crucial for social and emotional development.
• Potential for escalation of behavioral issues: Suspension can create a cycle of negative behavior, leading to repeated suspensions and further alienation.

The impact on social-emotional learning (SEL) is significant. Suspended students often lack the support and resources necessary to address the underlying causes of their behavior, leading to a vicious cycle of disciplinary action and further emotional distress. This underscores the importance of interventions that prioritize social-emotional well-being.

The School-to-Prison Pipeline and Suspension

School suspensions significantly contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, a disturbing trend where students are funneled from schools into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This disproportionately affects minority students, highlighting existing disparities in discipline. The cyclical nature of suspension often leads to repeated offenses, further involvement with law enforcement, and ultimately, increased likelihood of future arrests and incarceration.

• Increased likelihood of future arrests and incarceration: Suspension can normalize contact with law enforcement and create a pathway to the justice system.
• Criminalization of youth and normal childhood behaviors: Minor infractions are often punished severely, criminalizing typical adolescent behaviors.
• Bias in disciplinary practices against certain student demographics: Minority students are disproportionately suspended, reflecting systemic biases within school systems.
• Lack of restorative justice practices in schools: The absence of restorative approaches contributes to the punitive nature of school discipline.

Addressing the school-to-prison pipeline requires a fundamental shift in how schools approach discipline. This includes implementing equitable disciplinary practices, promoting restorative justice, and investing in resources that support students' social-emotional needs.

Effective Alternatives to Suspension

Fortunately, effective alternatives to suspension exist. These approaches focus on positive discipline, behavior management, and restorative practices to address the underlying causes of misbehavior and promote positive behavior change.

• Restorative justice practices (e.g., conflict resolution, mediation): These methods focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships.
• Positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS): PBIS frameworks create a positive school climate and proactively address student behavior.
• Counseling and mentoring programs: Providing individualized support can address underlying emotional or behavioral issues.
• Improved school climate and teacher training: Creating a supportive and inclusive school environment is crucial for preventing misbehavior.

By implementing these alternatives, schools can create a more equitable and supportive learning environment that prioritizes student well-being and reduces reliance on punitive measures like suspension.

Conclusion: Rethinking School Discipline and the Harmful Effects of Suspensions

School suspensions have profoundly detrimental effects on students' academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and future prospects. They contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline and exacerbate existing inequalities. We must move away from this harmful practice and embrace alternative disciplinary strategies that prioritize restorative justice, positive behavior interventions, and equity in education. Let's work together to create school environments that support all students and move away from the harmful practice of school suspensions. Ending suspensions requires a collective commitment to school discipline reform and a focus on student well-being. Let's advocate for change and build schools where every child can thrive.