Are School Suspensions Effective? Exploring The Evidence Of Harm

5 min read Post on May 02, 2025

Are School Suspensions Effective? Exploring The Evidence Of Harm

The Ineffectiveness of Suspensions as a Deterrent

The widespread use of school suspensions rests on the assumption that they deter future misbehavior. However, research consistently challenges this assumption.

Increased Misbehavior and Dropout Rates

Studies show a concerning correlation between suspensions and increased disciplinary incidents. Suspensions often fail to address the root causes of misbehavior, leading to a cycle of punishment and further misconduct.

Study 1: [Insert citation and brief summary of a study showing increased misbehavior after suspension]. This research highlights the counterproductive nature of suspensions.
Study 2: [Insert citation and brief summary of a study linking suspensions to higher dropout rates]. The disruption to learning and the feeling of alienation contribute to students disengaging from school.
Study 3: [Insert citation and brief summary of a study linking suspensions to juvenile justice involvement]. Suspension can be a gateway to the school-to-prison pipeline, especially for marginalized students.

Instead of suspensions, alternative disciplinary approaches, such as restorative justice and positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), have shown greater effectiveness in reducing misbehavior and improving school climate.

The Impact on Academic Performance

Suspensions significantly disrupt a student's learning, leading to substantial academic setbacks. The lost instructional time, coupled with the difficulty of catching up on missed work, can have a devastating effect on grades and overall academic progress.

Missed Instruction: Students miss valuable classroom time, falling behind their peers in crucial subjects.
Difficulty Catching Up: The workload of catching up on missed assignments can be overwhelming, leading to further frustration and disengagement.
Cumulative Effect: Repeated suspensions create a cumulative effect, leading to long-term academic achievement gaps.

The detrimental effect of suspensions on academic performance underscores the need for more effective and supportive disciplinary strategies.

The Harmful Effects of School Suspensions on Student Well-being

Beyond academic consequences, school suspensions have profound negative impacts on students' mental health and social-emotional development.

Mental Health Consequences

Suspension is associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The isolating and stigmatizing nature of suspension can exacerbate pre-existing mental health challenges or trigger new ones, particularly among vulnerable student populations.

Increased Anxiety and Depression: The feelings of shame, isolation, and fear associated with suspension can significantly impact a student's mental well-being.
Vulnerable Populations: Students with pre-existing mental health conditions, or those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are disproportionately affected by the negative mental health consequences of suspension.
Increased Risk of Self-Harm: In some cases, the isolation and emotional distress caused by suspension can increase the risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Social and Emotional Development

Suspensions disrupt crucial social connections and hinder the development of vital social-emotional skills. The loss of positive relationships with teachers and peers can have lasting negative effects.

Damaged Relationships: Suspension can strain relationships with teachers and peers, making it harder for students to feel a sense of belonging and connection within the school community.
Missed Social-Emotional Learning Opportunities: School provides opportunities for students to develop crucial social-emotional skills, and suspension interrupts this process.
Increased Social Isolation: Students who are frequently suspended often experience increased feelings of isolation and alienation, making it difficult for them to thrive academically and socially.

Disproportionate Impact on Marginalized Students

School suspensions disproportionately affect students of color, students with disabilities, and students from low-income families. This disparity highlights systemic biases within school discipline systems.

Racial Disparities: Students of color are suspended at significantly higher rates than their white peers, reflecting racial bias in disciplinary practices.
Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities are also often suspended at disproportionately high rates, highlighting the need for more inclusive and supportive disciplinary approaches.
School-to-Prison Pipeline: The over-reliance on suspension contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline, funneling marginalized students into the juvenile justice system.

Exploring More Effective Alternatives to School Suspensions

Effective alternatives to school suspensions prioritize student well-being and address the root causes of misbehavior.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and fostering understanding through dialogue and collaboration. It empowers students to take responsibility for their actions while also fostering empathy and reconciliation.

Circle Meetings: These meetings involve the student, victim, and other community members to discuss the impact of the misbehavior and develop solutions.
Conflict Resolution: Restorative practices equip students with conflict-resolution skills that can be applied to future situations.
Community Building: By focusing on repairing harm and fostering relationships, restorative practices can strengthen the school community.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive framework that focuses on preventing misbehavior through positive reinforcement and clear expectations. It involves teaching students appropriate behaviors and providing support to those who struggle.

Clear Expectations: PBIS establishes clear behavioral expectations that are consistently enforced.
Positive Reinforcement: Students are rewarded for positive behavior, creating a more positive and supportive school environment.
Data-Driven Decision Making: PBIS uses data to monitor student behavior and identify areas where interventions are needed.

Trauma-Informed Approaches

Trauma-informed approaches acknowledge the impact of trauma on student behavior and create a safer and more supportive environment for students who have experienced adversity.

Understanding Trauma: Schools adopt practices that acknowledge the impact of trauma on behavior.
Safety and Trust: Creating a safe and trusting environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Collaboration: Working with families and community organizations to provide comprehensive support for students.

Conclusion

The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that school suspensions are ineffective at deterring misbehavior and inflict significant harm on students' well-being and academic progress. The disproportionate impact on marginalized students further underscores the need for systemic change. Let's move beyond the ineffective and harmful practice of school suspensions and work towards creating school environments that support all students. Learn more about effective alternatives to school suspensions and get involved in advocating for change in your community. Replacing punitive school suspensions with restorative practices, PBIS, and trauma-informed approaches is crucial for creating equitable and supportive learning environments for all children.