The Harmful Effects Of School Suspensions: A Deeper Look

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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The Academic Impact of School Suspensions

School suspensions directly and negatively impact academic achievement. The time missed during suspension translates to missed instruction, assignments, and crucial learning opportunities, ultimately affecting a student's grade point average (GPA).

• Increased Absenteeism and Falling Grades: Missing even a few days of school can lead to significant academic setbacks. Students struggle to catch up on missed coursework, resulting in lower grades and a decreased understanding of the curriculum. This is particularly true for students already struggling academically. The impact on their GPA can be substantial, potentially leading to retention and future academic difficulties. High suspension rates often correlate with low academic performance across entire schools.

• Increased Risk of Dropping Out: Repeated school suspensions create a cycle of disengagement and alienation. The cumulative effect of missed education, coupled with the social stigma associated with suspension, significantly increases the likelihood of a student dropping out of high school. Statistics consistently show a strong correlation between high suspension rates and high school dropout rates, impacting future educational attainment and life opportunities. The cumulative effect of missed instruction and the emotional toll of repeated suspensions contribute to this alarming trend.

The Social and Emotional Consequences of School Suspensions

Beyond the academic realm, school suspensions inflict significant damage on students' social and emotional well-being. The experience fosters feelings of isolation and disconnection, impacting their relationships and mental health.

• Damaged Relationships and Social Isolation: Suspension isolates students from their peers, teachers, and the wider school community. The feeling of alienation and the difficulty reintegrating into the classroom environment can be profound. Students may face social stigma, impacting their self-esteem and making it hard to build and maintain positive peer relationships. A damaged school climate further exacerbates this issue.

• Increased Behavioral Problems and Mental Health Issues: Suspensions don't address the root causes of misbehavior; instead, they can exacerbate existing problems. The lack of support and structure during suspension often leads to a cycle of further behavioral issues. Furthermore, the emotional distress associated with suspension can contribute to mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. Students often lack access to mental health services during their suspension, leaving them vulnerable and without crucial support. This highlights the need for better disciplinary actions that prioritize student well-being.

Alternative Approaches to School Discipline

Instead of relying on punitive measures like school suspensions, schools should embrace alternative approaches that address the root causes of misbehavior and promote positive school climates.

• Restorative Justice Practices: Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and restoring relationships. Techniques like conflict resolution, mediation, and community service help students understand the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for their behavior. This approach fosters positive relationships within the school community and addresses the underlying issues contributing to misbehavior. Restorative discipline provides a more effective and humane alternative to suspensions.

• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS): PBIS is a proactive framework that emphasizes creating a positive school culture and teaching students positive behavior. It involves implementing school-wide expectations, providing positive reinforcement, and using data-driven decision making to address behavioral issues. This approach prevents disciplinary problems before they escalate, creating a safer and more supportive learning environment. Positive behavior interventions are crucial for building a positive school culture and minimizing the need for suspensions.

Conclusion

School suspensions have demonstrably harmful effects on students' academic progress, social connections, and mental health. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that this common disciplinary approach is counterproductive and perpetuates a cycle of negativity. Instead of relying on suspensions, schools and communities must prioritize alternative approaches such as restorative justice practices and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). These strategies create a more supportive learning environment and address the root causes of misbehavior, leading to improved academic outcomes, stronger social-emotional development, and a more equitable education for all students. Let's work together to reduce the reliance on harmful school suspensions and create a more equitable and supportive education system for all students. We must actively advocate for change and implement effective alternatives to school suspensions.