Why School Suspensions Are Detrimental To Students

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Academic Disruption Caused by School Suspensions

School suspensions significantly disrupt a student's academic progress, leading to a cascade of negative consequences.

Missed Instruction and Falling Grades

Suspension means missed classes, assignments, and crucial learning opportunities. This directly translates into:

• Falling behind in coursework: Students miss vital instruction and struggle to catch up on missed material.
• Difficulty catching up: The workload can become overwhelming, making it hard to recover lost ground.
• Lower grades: Missed assignments and tests inevitably lead to lower grades and a decline in overall academic performance.
• Increased risk of failure: Repeated suspensions create a cumulative effect, increasing the likelihood of failing courses and repeating grades. This significantly impacts their grade point average (GPA) and overall educational attainment.

The longer a student is suspended, the greater the impact on their academic performance, potentially jeopardizing their long-term academic success.

Negative Impact on Educational Trajectory

The consequences of school suspensions extend far beyond immediate academic setbacks. Suspensions significantly disrupt a student's path toward graduation and higher education. Studies show a strong correlation between suspensions and:

• Increased dropout rates: Students who are frequently suspended are more likely to drop out of school altogether.
• Reduced college readiness: Missed instruction and academic setbacks hinder their preparation for college-level work.
• Decreased higher education access: Lower GPAs and lack of college readiness significantly reduce their chances of attending and succeeding in higher education.

These long-term effects can have devastating consequences on a student's future opportunities.

Social and Emotional Consequences of School Suspensions

Beyond the academic repercussions, school suspensions have profound social and emotional consequences 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 engaging in risky behaviors.

• Increased exposure to negative peer groups during suspension can lead to further delinquency.
• The experience of suspension itself can create a cycle of further disciplinary actions, leading to more suspensions and ultimately involvement with the juvenile delinquency and even the criminal justice system.
• The lack of structure and positive engagement during suspension can contribute to increased risky behaviors, including substance abuse and violence.

Mental Health Impacts

The emotional toll of suspension is considerable. Students often experience:

• Decreased self-esteem: Suspension can leave students feeling ashamed, isolated, and worthless.
• Reduced sense of belonging: Being removed from the school community can damage their sense of connection and belonging.
• Increased anxiety and depression: The stress of suspension, coupled with the social and academic consequences, can significantly impact their mental health.
• Social isolation: The isolation caused by suspension can exacerbate existing mental health issues and lead to feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.

A supportive school environment is crucial for student mental health, and suspension often undermines this support system.

Alternative Disciplinary Approaches and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Rather than relying solely on suspensions, schools should adopt alternative disciplinary approaches that address the root causes of misbehavior and foster positive school climates.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice practices focus on repairing harm caused by misbehavior and promoting reconciliation between the student and the community. These practices emphasize:

• Dialogue and communication: Bringing together students, victims, and school staff to discuss the incident and its impact.
• Accountability and responsibility: Helping students understand the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for their behavior.
• Reintegration into the school community: Supporting students in returning to school and re-establishing positive relationships.

Restorative practices can significantly improve school climate and reduce the need for suspensions.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive approach that focuses on preventing disciplinary issues before they arise. Key components include:

• Clear expectations and rules: Establishing consistent and understandable rules and expectations for all students.
• Positive reinforcement: Rewarding positive behavior and acknowledging students' efforts.
• Teaching social-emotional skills: Equipping students with the skills they need to manage their emotions and navigate social situations effectively.

PBIS has proven effective in reducing suspensions and creating a more positive school environment.

Other Alternatives

In addition to restorative justice and PBIS, other alternatives to suspension include:

• In-school suspension: Keeping students in school while providing them with supervised learning and behavioral support.
• Detention: Providing a structured time for reflection and completing assignments.
• Conflict resolution programs: Teaching students how to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully.
• School counseling: Providing individual or group counseling to address underlying emotional or behavioral issues.

These alternatives offer a more supportive and constructive approach to discipline.

Conclusion: Rethinking School Suspensions for a Better Future

School suspensions inflict significant damage on students' academic progress, social and emotional well-being, and overall future prospects. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates the need to reduce reliance on suspensions and adopt alternative disciplinary approaches. We must advocate for restorative practices and support positive behavioral interventions to create safer, more supportive learning environments for all students. Let's work together to end school suspensions and build a better future for our students by investing in comprehensive, proactive, and restorative disciplinary approaches. Let's advocate for change and support initiatives that promote positive behavior and create schools where all students can thrive.