School Suspension: More Harm Than Good? A Deeper Look

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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The Ineffectiveness of School Suspension as a Deterrent

School suspension, far from being a deterrent, often contributes to a cycle of negative consequences that hinder a student's academic and personal development.

Increased Truancy and Drop-out Rates

A strong correlation exists between school suspension and increased absenteeism. Suspended students are more likely to skip school even after their suspension ends, leading to a significant increase in truancy rates. This pattern of absence can quickly spiral into academic failure and, ultimately, dropping out of school.

• Statistics: Studies consistently demonstrate a link between higher suspension rates and higher dropout rates. For example, [cite a relevant study here with a link]. This demonstrates the detrimental long-term effects of school suspension.
• The Cycle of Suspension: Suspension disrupts learning, leading to frustration and disengagement. This disengagement can manifest in further behavioral issues, leading to a repeat cycle of suspension and further alienation from the school environment. This cycle significantly impacts dropout prevention efforts.

The Negative Impact on Academic Performance

The missed classes and disrupted learning resulting from suspension have a profound negative impact on academic performance. Students lose valuable instructional time, fall behind their peers, and struggle to catch up.

• Impact on Grades and Standardized Tests: Suspension significantly impacts grade point average (GPA), standardized test scores, and overall academic achievement. The learning loss experienced during suspension can have long-term repercussions, affecting college applications and future educational opportunities.
• Long-Term Educational Consequences: The cumulative effect of missed instruction and disrupted learning due to repeated suspensions can severely limit a student's educational trajectory and future prospects.

The Social and Emotional Consequences of Suspension

Beyond the academic repercussions, school suspension carries significant social and emotional costs for students.

Increased Risk of Delinquency and Criminal Behavior

Suspension removes students from a structured learning environment and often places them in situations that increase their risk of delinquency and criminal behavior. This lack of supervision and positive engagement can lead to increased involvement in harmful activities.

• Correlation with Criminal Involvement: Research indicates a strong correlation between school suspension and future involvement in the criminal justice system, particularly for students who experience repeated suspensions. [Cite a relevant study here with a link].
• Lack of Support Systems: Suspended students frequently lack the necessary support systems to help them navigate the challenges they face, increasing their vulnerability to negative influences and risky behaviors.

Mental Health Impacts and Stigmatization

School suspension is associated with negative mental health outcomes, including increased feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. The stigma associated with being suspended can further damage a student's self-esteem and social relationships.

• Impact on Self-Esteem and Social Relationships: Suspension can severely impact a student's sense of self-worth and belonging. Feeling ostracized and judged by their peers can lead to lasting emotional scars. [Mention relevant mental health resources and hotlines here].
• Long-Term Emotional Well-Being: The emotional trauma caused by repeated suspensions can have long-term consequences on a student's emotional well-being, impacting their ability to form healthy relationships and succeed in life.

Alternatives to School Suspension: Restorative Justice and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Fortunately, effective alternatives to school suspension exist, focusing on addressing the root causes of misbehavior and supporting students' positive development.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice practices prioritize repairing harm and building community. Instead of punishment, the focus is on addressing the needs of all parties involved—the victim, the offender, and the community—to foster understanding and reconciliation.

• Specific Restorative Practices: These practices include mediation, conflict resolution circles, and community service, all designed to promote accountability and healing. These methods emphasize repairing the harm caused and fostering a sense of responsibility within the student.
• Building a Positive School Climate: Implementing restorative practices helps create a more positive and supportive school climate, reducing the need for punitive disciplinary actions like school suspension.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive framework for behavior management that focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors. This approach emphasizes clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and individualized support plans to address challenging behaviors before they escalate.

• Key Elements of PBIS: Clear expectations for behavior, positive reinforcement systems, proactive teaching of social-emotional skills, and individualized support for students who struggle with behavior.
• Creating a Supportive Learning Environment: PBIS helps create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and valued, reducing the likelihood of disruptive behavior.

Conclusion

School suspension, despite its widespread use, is demonstrably ineffective as a deterrent and carries significant negative consequences for students' academic performance, social-emotional well-being, and future prospects. The evidence strongly supports the need to shift away from punitive disciplinary practices and embrace alternative approaches like restorative justice and PBIS. These strategies focus on addressing the root causes of misbehavior, promoting positive behavior, and creating supportive learning environments. Let's move beyond the harmful effects of school suspension and embrace alternative strategies that promote positive behavior and student success. Let's advocate for restorative justice and PBIS programs in our schools to create safer and more supportive learning environments for all students. Replacing ineffective school suspension practices with proactive and restorative approaches is crucial for creating thriving and equitable educational systems.