Why School Suspensions Are Detrimental: A Critical Look At Their Impact

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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The Academic Impact of School Suspensions

School suspensions significantly disrupt a student's education, creating a ripple effect with lasting academic consequences. The impact of these disciplinary actions on student learning is undeniable.

Increased Absenteeism and Falling Grades

Suspensions directly lead to increased absenteeism. Missing even a few days of school can result in:

• Missed crucial instruction on key concepts.
• Inability to participate in important class discussions and activities.
• Difficulty completing assignments and projects, leading to lower grades.
• Missed tests and quizzes, impacting overall academic performance.

Studies consistently show a strong correlation between suspension rates and lower academic achievement. The difficulty of catching up on missed work, coupled with the potential emotional distress, further exacerbates academic setbacks. Students facing frequent suspensions often find themselves in a cycle of falling behind, leading to discouragement and further behavioral issues.

Increased Risk of Dropping Out

Repeated school suspensions significantly increase the risk of a student dropping out of school. The reasons are multifaceted:

• Lack of support: Suspended students often lack the support system necessary to re-engage with their education.
• Feelings of alienation: The experience of suspension can create feelings of isolation and resentment towards the school system.
• Missed opportunities: Cumulative missed school days lead to significant academic gaps and a sense of hopelessness.

Statistics demonstrate a clear link between suspensions and higher dropout rates. Dropping out has devastating long-term consequences, including increased unemployment, poverty, and involvement in the criminal justice system. Addressing the root causes of student misbehavior and providing adequate support are crucial to prevent this detrimental outcome.

The Social-Emotional Impact of School Suspensions

Beyond academics, school suspensions inflict significant damage on students' social-emotional well-being, creating a cycle of negativity and hindering their overall development.

Damage to Student-Teacher Relationships

Suspensions often strain the crucial relationship between students and teachers. The disciplinary action can:

• Damage trust and communication.
• Create resentment and negativity.
• Hinder the teacher's ability to provide effective support and guidance.

Positive teacher-student relationships are essential for academic success and overall well-being. Suspensions jeopardize this vital connection, making it harder for students to receive the support they need to thrive.

Increased Behavioral Problems

Ironically, school suspensions can exacerbate existing behavioral problems or even trigger new ones. The experience of suspension can:

• Increase aggression and defiance.
• Lead to social isolation and feelings of alienation.
• Reinforce negative behaviors and attitudes.

Suspensions often create a sense of resentment and alienation, fueling a cycle of misbehavior. This is especially true when suspensions are used as a default response without addressing the underlying causes of the misbehavior.

Mental Health Consequences

The trauma associated with school suspension can have severe consequences for students' mental health. Suspensions can increase the risk of:

• Depression and anxiety.
• Low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
• Increased feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

The negative emotional impact of suspension, coupled with the disruption to education and social support, can contribute to long-term mental health challenges. Understanding the mental health implications of suspension is crucial to developing more humane and effective disciplinary approaches.

Alternative Disciplinary Approaches

Instead of relying on school suspensions, schools should adopt alternative disciplinary approaches that address the root causes of misbehavior and promote positive student outcomes.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and fostering reconciliation between students, teachers, and the school community. Practices include:

• Mediation between the student and those affected by their actions.
• Conflict resolution through facilitated discussions.
• Repairing harm through community service or other restitution.

This approach emphasizes understanding the reasons behind misbehavior and finding solutions that promote healing and learning.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive approach that focuses on creating a positive school climate and preventing problematic behaviors through:

• Clearly defined school-wide expectations.
• Effective classroom management techniques.
• Positive reinforcement strategies.
• Individualized support for students with behavioral challenges.

PBIS aims to prevent misbehavior through proactive measures and create a supportive environment where students feel safe, respected, and valued.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs

SEL programs teach students essential social-emotional skills, such as:

• Self-regulation.
• Empathy.
• Conflict resolution.
• Decision-making.

These programs equip students with the tools they need to manage their emotions, navigate social situations, and make responsible choices. Implementing SEL programs can significantly reduce the need for disciplinary actions like suspensions.

Rethinking School Suspensions: A Call for Change

School suspensions are detrimental to students' academic performance, social-emotional well-being, and long-term prospects. The negative impact of these disciplinary actions on student behavior is well documented. We must move beyond this harmful practice and embrace alternative strategies that support student success and well-being. Restorative justice, PBIS, and SEL programs offer effective alternatives that address the root causes of misbehavior and create positive school climates. Let's work together to move beyond the harmful effects of school suspensions and embrace strategies that support student success and well-being. Demand better alternatives to school suspensions in your community; advocate for change in your schools and help create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.