The Harmful Effects Of School Suspensions: Long-Term Consequences And Alternatives

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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The Academic Impact of School Suspensions

School suspensions directly correlate with decreased academic performance and increased risk of dropping out. The negative consequences are significant and long-lasting.

Increased Absenteeism and Falling Grades

Suspensions cause immediate and sustained disruptions to a student's education. The lost instructional time directly translates to falling behind academically.

• Missed classes: Even a short suspension results in missed lessons, assignments, and crucial classroom discussions.
• Difficulty catching up: Catching up on missed work can be overwhelming, leading to further frustration and academic struggles.
• Negative impact on GPA: Missed assignments and lower test scores contribute to a decline in the student's Grade Point Average (GPA), potentially affecting future educational opportunities.
• Increased likelihood of dropping out: Repeated suspensions create a cycle of disengagement and contribute significantly to the alarmingly high dropout rate among suspended students. The connection between school suspensions and dropout rates is well-documented.

Disruption of Learning and Development

Beyond the immediate academic setbacks, suspensions interrupt the continuity of education and hinder crucial social-emotional learning (SEL).

• Loss of crucial learning time: The time spent suspended is lost learning time that can never be fully recovered. This gap in learning can have a snowball effect, compounding over time.
• Missed social interactions: Suspensions deprive students of valuable social interactions with peers and teachers, hindering their ability to develop positive relationships and build a sense of belonging within the school community.
• Difficulty building relationships with teachers and peers: The experience of suspension can damage the student's relationship with teachers and peers, creating further barriers to academic success and social-emotional development. This can lead to further behavioral issues and increased likelihood of future suspensions.

The Social and Emotional Consequences of School Suspensions

The consequences of school suspensions extend far beyond the classroom, impacting students' social and emotional well-being, increasing the risk of future delinquency, and negatively impacting mental health.

Increased Risk of Delinquency and Criminal Behavior

Research consistently demonstrates a strong correlation between school suspensions and future involvement in the juvenile delinquency and criminal justice system.

• Increased feelings of alienation: Suspension can reinforce feelings of isolation and alienation, pushing students towards negative peer groups and antisocial behavior.
• Reduced sense of belonging: Students who are frequently suspended may feel disconnected from their school community and lack a sense of belonging, leading to disengagement and increased risk of future offenses.
• Higher likelihood of future offenses: The cycle of suspension, alienation, and disengagement can create a pathway towards more serious delinquent behavior and interactions with the criminal justice system.

Mental Health Impacts

Suspensions can have profound negative impacts on a student’s mental health, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and even self-harm.

• Trauma: The experience of suspension can be traumatic for students, especially those who already struggle with mental health challenges.
• Feelings of shame and isolation: The stigma associated with suspension can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation, further exacerbating mental health issues.
• Increased risk of self-harm: Students who experience repeated suspensions are at a significantly increased risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts. This highlights the urgent need for alternative disciplinary approaches.

Effective Alternatives to School Suspensions

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

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice practices focus on repairing harm and promoting reconciliation between the student, the victim, and the school community.

• Mediation: Mediation provides a structured environment for students to discuss their conflicts and find solutions together.
• Conflict resolution: Conflict resolution skills help students learn how to manage disagreements peacefully and respectfully.
• Community service: Community service projects allow students to make amends for their actions and contribute to their community.
• Peer mediation: Training students to mediate conflicts among their peers can create a culture of empathy and understanding within the school.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive framework that focuses on preventing behavioral issues before they escalate.

• Proactive strategies: PBIS emphasizes proactive strategies that create a positive and supportive school climate.
• Positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement encourages positive behavior and recognizes student accomplishments.
• Individualized support plans: Individualized support plans can be developed for students who need additional help managing their behavior.
• Early intervention: Early intervention strategies help address behavioral issues before they become serious problems.

Improved School Climate and Culture

Creating a supportive and inclusive school environment is crucial in reducing the need for suspensions.

• Building positive relationships: Fostering positive relationships between students and teachers creates a sense of trust and belonging.
• Fostering a sense of belonging: Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment helps all students feel valued and respected.
• Promoting equity and inclusion: Addressing systemic inequities and creating a more equitable school environment can significantly reduce disciplinary issues.

Conclusion

School suspensions have far-reaching and detrimental consequences, impacting students' academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and future prospects. The data clearly shows a strong link between suspensions and negative outcomes. Instead of relying on punitive measures, schools must adopt alternatives like restorative justice practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and improved school climate and culture. Let's work together to replace the damaging practice of school suspensions with more effective and humane alternatives that support student success and well-being. Let's advocate for change and build a future where school suspensions are a thing of the past, where positive behavior and support thrive, creating a more equitable and successful educational experience for all.