School Suspensions: Harmful Consequences And Effective Alternatives

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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The Detrimental Effects of School Suspensions

School suspensions, while intended as a disciplinary measure, often have unintended and severe negative consequences. The impact extends far beyond a temporary absence from classes, significantly harming students' academic, social-emotional, and future life outcomes.

Academic Consequences

Suspensions directly contribute to significant academic setbacks. The missed instruction time leads to:

• Increased absenteeism: Students who are frequently suspended fall behind their peers, leading to lower grades and a higher risk of dropping out of school. Studies consistently show a strong correlation between suspension rates and increased dropout rates.
• Disruption of learning: Catching up on missed coursework can be a monumental task, leaving suspended students feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. This can lead to a decreased sense of academic self-efficacy.
• Negative impact on standardized test scores: The disruption to learning caused by suspensions negatively impacts students’ performance on standardized tests, limiting their future educational and career opportunities. Research indicates a direct link between school suspensions and lower test scores.
• Examples of studies: Numerous studies, such as those published in the Journal of Educational Research and the American Educational Research Journal, have demonstrated a clear correlation between school suspensions and academic failure.

Social and Emotional Impacts

Beyond academics, school suspensions inflict considerable emotional damage. The experience often results in:

• Increased feelings of isolation and alienation: Being removed from the school community fosters feelings of exclusion and resentment, impacting students' sense of belonging. This can lead to further behavioral problems.
• Higher likelihood of involvement in criminal activity and substance abuse: Suspended students are more likely to engage in risky behaviors due to increased free time and a lack of positive engagement. The absence of structured activities and positive role models increases vulnerability.
• Damage to self-esteem and a sense of belonging: The stigma associated with suspension can significantly impact self-esteem and lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy. This can negatively affect their social interactions.
• Increased risk of mental health issues: Students facing suspension may experience heightened anxiety, depression, and symptoms of social maladjustment, requiring professional intervention. The emotional trauma can be long-lasting and significant.

Long-Term Implications

The consequences of school suspensions can extend far beyond the immediate period of suspension. These long-term ramifications include:

• Reduced future employment prospects and earning potential: A history of suspensions can negatively impact college applications and future job prospects, limiting earning potential. Employers often consider disciplinary records during the hiring process.
• Increased likelihood of involvement in the juvenile justice system: Frequent suspensions can escalate into involvement with the juvenile justice system, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of negative consequences.
• Difficulties forming healthy relationships and contributing to society: The social and emotional scars of repeated suspensions can affect the ability to build and maintain healthy relationships and contribute positively to society.
• The cycle of suspension and its lasting societal impact: For many students, particularly those from marginalized communities, suspension becomes a cyclical issue, perpetuating intergenerational trauma and widening societal inequalities.

Exploring Effective Alternatives to School Suspensions

Fortunately, there are numerous effective alternatives to school suspensions that address the root causes of misbehavior and foster positive student outcomes. These approaches prioritize restorative practices, positive behavior support, and comprehensive mental health services.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by misbehavior through:

• Collaborative problem-solving: Students, victims, and school staff work together to understand the impact of the behavior and develop solutions.
• Accountability and reconciliation: Students take responsibility for their actions and work to repair the harm they have caused.
• Empathy and understanding: The process fosters empathy and understanding among all parties involved.
• Successful programs: Schools implementing restorative justice practices often report significant reductions in suspensions and improvements in school climate.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive approach that prevents disruptive behavior through:

• Clear expectations and positive reinforcement: Establish clear behavioral expectations and consistently reward positive behavior.
• Social-emotional learning: Teach students essential social-emotional skills, such as conflict resolution and self-regulation.
• Data-driven decision-making: Use data to identify and address behavioral issues, tailoring interventions to individual student needs.
• Successful components: A successful PBIS program requires strong leadership, effective team collaboration, and consistent implementation.

Counseling and Mental Health Services

Addressing underlying mental health issues is crucial for preventing disruptive behaviors. This includes:

• Individual and group therapy: Provide access to mental health professionals who can address emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Early intervention and prevention: Identify and support at-risk students before their behavior escalates.
• Importance of school counselors: School counselors play a critical role in identifying students who need support and connecting them with resources.

Parent and Community Involvement

Engaging parents and the wider community is essential for supporting student success:

• Home-school partnerships: Strong home-school partnerships are critical for consistency and support.
• Community-based programs: Partner with community organizations to provide additional support and resources.
• Parental involvement in discipline: Engage parents in school disciplinary processes to ensure a collaborative approach.
• Community resources: Utilize the resources and expertise of community organizations to support student needs.

Conclusion

School suspensions, while seemingly a straightforward disciplinary tool, inflict significant and long-lasting harm on students. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates the negative academic, social-emotional, and long-term consequences associated with this practice. Fortunately, effective alternatives exist, including restorative justice, PBIS, mental health services, and strong parent and community involvement. These approaches offer a more humane and effective way to address disruptive behavior while fostering positive student outcomes and creating safer, more supportive school environments. Let's work together to replace ineffective school suspensions with restorative and supportive practices that foster positive student outcomes. Research alternative disciplinary strategies and advocate for change in your school – let's reduce school suspensions and build a better future for our students.