Are School Suspensions Effective? Exploring The Negative Impacts On Students

Luna Greco

6 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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The Academic Impact of School Suspensions

School suspensions directly harm a student's academic performance in several ways. The impact extends beyond simply missing a day or two of class; it creates a ripple effect that can significantly hinder a student's educational journey.

Increased Absenteeism and Falling Grades

Suspensions lead to increased absenteeism, causing students to fall behind in their coursework. This results in a cascade of negative consequences:

• Increased risk of failing grades and course repetition: Missing crucial lessons and assignments makes it difficult for students to keep up, increasing their likelihood of failing classes and having to repeat them. This further delays their graduation and can significantly impact their future opportunities.
• Difficulty catching up on missed material and assignments: The workload of catching up on missed material can be overwhelming, often leading to further disengagement and frustration. Many students lack the support and resources needed to effectively bridge the academic gap created by suspension.
• Negative impact on GPA and future academic opportunities: Lower grades directly impact a student's GPA, which is a crucial factor in college admissions and scholarship applications. A history of suspensions can also negatively affect a student's chances of getting into their desired programs or receiving financial aid.

Disruption of Learning Continuity

Beyond missed classes, suspensions disrupt the learning process itself. The disruption of routine and the social-emotional upheaval can have lasting effects.

• Loss of valuable learning time and classroom interaction: School is more than just lectures and assignments; it involves social interaction, collaboration, and the development of crucial social skills. Suspensions deprive students of these essential components of the learning experience.
• Difficulty reintegrating into the classroom environment: Returning to school after a suspension can be challenging. Students may feel isolated, stigmatized, and struggle to reconnect with their peers and teachers. This can further hinder their ability to learn effectively.
• Increased risk of disengagement and dropping out of school: Repeated suspensions can lead to a sense of alienation and hopelessness, increasing the likelihood of a student disengaging from school and eventually dropping out.

The Social and Emotional Consequences of School Suspensions

The negative impacts of school suspensions extend far beyond academics, significantly affecting a student's social and emotional well-being.

Increased Risk of Delinquency and Criminal Activity

Suspension can inadvertently increase the risk of delinquency and criminal activity. The time away from school often exposes students to negative influences and risky behaviors.

• Exposure to criminal influences during suspension time: Without the structure and supervision provided by school, suspended students may find themselves associating with individuals involved in criminal activities, increasing their likelihood of engaging in similar behaviors.
• Weakened bonds with school and positive role models: Suspension can damage the relationship between the student and the school community, weakening the positive bonds with teachers, counselors, and other supportive adults.
• Increased likelihood of future run-ins with the law: A cycle of suspension and negative experiences can increase the risk of future encounters with law enforcement, further hindering the student's life trajectory.

Negative Impact on Mental Health and Well-being

Suspensions can be deeply traumatic experiences for students, often resulting in significant mental health challenges.

• Increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues: The isolation, shame, and stigma associated with suspension can significantly impact a student's mental health, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
• Damage to self-esteem and sense of belonging: Suspension can damage a student's self-esteem and sense of belonging within the school community. Feeling rejected and isolated can have long-term negative effects on their self-worth and confidence.
• Increased risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation: In severe cases, the negative consequences of suspension can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair, increasing the risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Exploring More Effective Alternatives to School Suspensions

Fortunately, more effective and supportive alternatives to school suspensions exist. These approaches focus on addressing the root causes of misbehavior and fostering positive relationships between students and the school community.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice practices prioritize repairing harm and fostering reconciliation. This approach focuses on understanding the impact of actions and finding ways to make amends.

• Mediation and conflict resolution programs: These programs provide a structured environment for students involved in conflicts to communicate, understand different perspectives, and reach mutually acceptable solutions.
• Community service and making amends for wrongdoings: Students involved in misbehavior can engage in community service to repair the harm caused and demonstrate responsibility for their actions.
• Building empathy and responsibility: Restorative justice emphasizes empathy and accountability, helping students understand the impact of their actions on others and develop a sense of responsibility for their behavior.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive approach that aims to prevent misbehavior through positive reinforcement and social-emotional learning.

• Clear behavioral expectations and consistent consequences: PBIS establishes clear expectations for student behavior and ensures that consequences are applied consistently and fairly.
• Reward systems to encourage positive behavior: Positive reinforcement is used to encourage desired behaviors, focusing on rewarding positive actions rather than solely punishing negative ones.
• Teacher training in classroom management techniques: Teachers receive training in effective classroom management techniques that emphasize positive relationships and proactive strategies to prevent disruptive behaviors.

Targeted Support and Counseling

Addressing underlying issues contributing to misbehavior requires targeted support and counseling.

• Early identification and intervention for students at risk: Identifying and providing support to students at risk of misbehavior is crucial in preventing escalation.
• Addressing mental health challenges and learning disabilities: Untreated mental health conditions and learning disabilities can contribute to challenging behavior. Providing appropriate support can significantly improve a student's ability to manage their behavior and succeed academically.
• Providing appropriate resources and support systems: Connecting students with appropriate resources and support systems, such as counseling services, tutoring, and mentoring programs, can help address underlying issues and promote positive behavior change.

Conclusion

The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that school suspensions are not an effective disciplinary strategy. They often fail to address the underlying causes of misbehavior and instead create a cycle of negative consequences, leading to academic failure, social isolation, and mental health issues. Moving away from punitive measures like school suspensions and embracing restorative justice, PBIS, and targeted support will cultivate a more positive, inclusive, and productive learning environment for all students. Let's work collaboratively to find effective alternatives to school suspensions and create schools that support the success and well-being of every child.