Are School Suspensions An Effective Discipline Strategy? A Deeper Look

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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The Short-Term Effects of School Suspensions

Do suspensions immediately stop unwanted behavior? While suspensions might offer a temporary solution, the short-term effects are often limited and can even be counterproductive.

H3: Immediate Behavior Change:

• Often provides temporary compliance but doesn't address root causes. A student might stop the specific behavior that led to the suspension, but the underlying issues remain unaddressed. This means the behavior is likely to reoccur.
• May lead to increased defiance upon return. Feeling punished and misunderstood, students may exhibit even more disruptive behavior upon their return to school, fueled by resentment and a sense of injustice. This cycle of suspension and defiance can be detrimental to both the student and the school environment.
• Lack of engagement in learning during suspension time. Time away from school means missed lessons, unfinished assignments, and a disruption in the learning process. This can lead to academic setbacks and further disengagement. The student falls behind their peers, creating further challenges.

H3: Impact on Academic Performance:

How does suspension affect a student's grades and overall academic progress? The academic consequences of suspension can be significant and long-lasting.

• Missed classes lead to falling behind in coursework. Suspensions directly impact academic performance by causing students to miss crucial lessons and assignments. This can lead to a decline in grades and a widening gap between the suspended student and their classmates.
• Increased risk of dropping out of school. Repeated suspensions can contribute to a sense of alienation and disengagement from school. This can ultimately increase the likelihood of a student dropping out before completing their education. The impact of dropping out on future opportunities is significant.
• Negative impact on standardized test scores. The disruption to learning caused by suspension can negatively affect standardized test performance. This can have consequences for college applications and future academic opportunities.

The Long-Term Consequences of School Suspensions

The repercussions of school suspensions extend far beyond the immediate aftermath. The long-term consequences can have a profound impact on a student's life trajectory.

H3: Increased Risk of Criminal Activity:

There's a strong correlation between school suspension and future delinquency. Frequent suspensions can contribute to a cycle of negative behaviors and interactions with the justice system.

• Students who are frequently suspended are more likely to engage in criminal behavior. Research indicates a clear link between repeated suspensions and involvement in criminal activities later in life. This highlights the need for more effective, preventative disciplinary strategies.
• Disconnection from school increases vulnerability to negative peer influences. When students are removed from the structured environment of school, they are more susceptible to negative influences and peer pressure. This can lead to engagement in risky behaviors and further difficulties.
• Lack of educational opportunities exacerbates existing inequalities. Students from already marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by suspension, creating a vicious cycle that perpetuates educational and social inequalities. Addressing this disparity is crucial.

H3: Mental Health Implications:

Suspension can have serious negative effects on a student's mental and emotional well-being. The isolation and feelings of failure can be deeply damaging.

• Increased feelings of isolation and alienation. Being suspended can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and a sense of disconnect from the school community. This can negatively impact social and emotional development.
• Negative impact on self-esteem and confidence. Repeated suspensions can severely damage a student's self-esteem and confidence, impacting their ability to succeed academically and socially.
• Potential for increased anxiety and depression. The stress and emotional turmoil associated with suspension can increase the risk of anxiety and depression, leading to further behavioral problems and hindering the student's overall well-being.

Alternative Discipline Strategies to School Suspensions

Fortunately, there are more effective and humane alternatives to school suspensions. These strategies focus on addressing the root causes of misbehavior and supporting students in developing positive behaviors.

H3: Restorative Justice Practices:

Restorative justice emphasizes repairing harm and building positive relationships within the school community.

• Mediation and conflict resolution programs. These programs help students understand the impact of their actions and work towards resolving conflicts peacefully.
• Community service and positive behavior interventions. These approaches focus on making amends and contributing positively to the school and wider community.
• Emphasis on accountability and responsibility. Restorative justice holds students accountable for their actions while also providing support and opportunities for growth.

H3: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS):

PBIS is a proactive approach that focuses on preventing disruptive behavior before it occurs.

• Clear expectations and consistent enforcement of school rules. Clear guidelines and consistent enforcement create a predictable and safe environment.
• Reward systems for positive behavior. Recognizing and rewarding positive behavior reinforces desired actions and creates a positive school climate.
• Early intervention for at-risk students. Identifying and addressing potential issues early can prevent escalation and more serious disciplinary actions.

H3: In-School Suspension and Detention:

These alternatives keep students engaged in education while addressing misbehavior.

• Provides a structured environment for reflection and learning. In-school suspension allows for continued academic engagement while also providing time for reflection and targeted interventions.
• Allows for continued academic progress. Students can continue their studies, minimizing academic setbacks.
• Opportunities for targeted interventions and support. In-school suspension provides a setting for individual support and counseling, addressing underlying issues.

Conclusion

This article explored the effectiveness of school suspensions as a discipline strategy, highlighting both its short-term and long-term consequences. While suspensions may offer a seemingly quick solution to disruptive behavior, evidence suggests that they are often ineffective in addressing the root causes of misbehavior and can have detrimental effects on students’ academic success, mental health, and future prospects. Alternative discipline strategies such as restorative justice, PBIS, and in-school suspensions offer more constructive and effective approaches to improving school discipline. By adopting these alternatives, schools can create safer, more supportive learning environments and foster positive student development. Let's reconsider the role of school suspensions and invest in evidence-based strategies that truly support student success, reducing the need for harsh disciplinary measures and fostering a more positive and productive school environment for everyone.