School Suspension: More Harm Than Good? A Comprehensive Analysis

Rajiv Sharma

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

4.5

Share

The Negative Academic Impacts of School Suspension

School suspension significantly disrupts a student's education, leading to a cascade of negative academic consequences. The lost instructional time and the challenges of catching up contribute to a cycle of underachievement and potential long-term academic failure.

Increased Absenteeism and Lower Grades

Suspension directly translates to missed classes, assignments, and crucial learning opportunities. This disruption to the learning process often leaves students struggling to catch up, resulting in lower grades and increased academic difficulty.

• Increased likelihood of dropping out: Students who are frequently suspended are far more likely to drop out of school altogether.
• Difficulty catching up on missed material: The cumulative effect of missed lessons can be overwhelming, creating a significant academic disadvantage.
• Negative impact on GPA: Lower grades directly resulting from missed classes and difficulty catching up inevitably lower a student's overall GPA, impacting college applications and future opportunities.

Research consistently demonstrates a strong correlation between school suspension and decreased academic performance. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students suspended even once had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing academic difficulties in subsequent years.

The Cycle of Suspension and Academic Failure

The consequences of school suspension often extend far beyond the immediate missed classes. A concerning trend emerges: suspension frequently leads to further suspensions, creating a vicious cycle that traps students in a pattern of academic failure.

• Damaged self-esteem and motivation: Repeated suspensions can significantly damage a student's self-esteem and motivation to learn, leading to further behavioral problems and academic struggles.
• The school-to-prison pipeline: For many students, particularly those from marginalized communities, school suspension becomes a stepping stone towards involvement with the juvenile justice system, perpetuating the harmful school-to-prison pipeline. This pipeline disproportionately affects minority students.

Breaking this cycle requires a fundamental shift in disciplinary approaches, moving away from punitive measures and towards restorative practices that address the root causes of behavioral issues.

The Social and Emotional Consequences of School Suspension

Beyond the academic repercussions, school suspension carries severe social and emotional consequences, impacting students' well-being and future prospects.

Social Isolation and Increased Risk of Delinquency

Suspension isolates students from their peers, teachers, and the supportive environment of the school community. This isolation can have profound effects on their social and emotional development.

• Increased risk of involvement in criminal activity: Disconnected from school and lacking positive social interactions, suspended students are at a greater risk of engaging in delinquent behavior.
• Feelings of alienation and rejection: The experience of suspension often leaves students feeling alienated, rejected, and misunderstood, further exacerbating behavioral problems.
• Difficulty reintegrating into school: Returning to school after a suspension can be challenging, with students often facing social stigma and difficulties re-establishing positive relationships.

Studies have consistently shown a link between school suspension and increased rates of delinquency and antisocial behavior. The loss of social support and the sense of isolation contribute to a higher risk of negative behavioral outcomes.

Mental Health Implications

The emotional toll of school suspension is substantial, often leading to significant mental health challenges.

• Increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues: Suspension can trigger or worsen pre-existing mental health conditions and contribute to the development of new ones.
• Lack of support systems: Students are often left without adequate support systems during and after their suspension, exacerbating their emotional distress.
• Impact on students with pre-existing mental health conditions: For students already struggling with mental health issues, suspension can be particularly detrimental, worsening their symptoms and hindering their recovery.

Alternative Disciplinary Approaches to School Suspension

Fortunately, there are viable alternatives to school suspension that prioritize student well-being and address the root causes of behavioral problems.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm caused by wrongdoing and restoring relationships within the school community. This approach emphasizes dialogue, accountability, and reconciliation.

• Principles of restorative justice: Restorative justice involves bringing together the harmed, the harmer, and other community members to collaboratively address the harm done. The focus is on understanding the impact of actions and finding solutions to prevent future harm.
• Examples of successful restorative justice programs: Many schools have implemented successful restorative justice programs, showing positive results in reducing suspensions and improving school climate.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive approach to discipline that focuses on teaching positive behaviors and creating a supportive school environment. The goal is to prevent behavioral problems before they occur.

• Proactive approach: PBIS emphasizes proactive strategies such as teaching positive behavior expectations, providing clear behavioral guidelines, and rewarding positive behavior.
• Supportive school climate: Creating a positive school climate where students feel safe, respected, and valued is a crucial component of PBIS.

In-School Suspension and Other Alternatives

In-school suspension, where students remain on campus but are separated from their regular classes, can be a more effective alternative to out-of-school suspension. Other alternatives include:

• Detention: Provides a structured opportunity for students to reflect on their behavior and complete assigned work.
• Conflict resolution programs: Teach students effective strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully and respectfully.
• Counseling: Provides students with individual or group support to address underlying emotional or behavioral issues.

Conclusion

School suspension, while seemingly a simple disciplinary solution, often proves counterproductive, negatively impacting academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and increasing the risk of future disciplinary problems. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the implementation of alternative approaches. Restorative justice practices and positive behavioral interventions, such as PBIS, are far more effective in fostering positive school climates and student success. They address the root causes of misbehavior, promoting a supportive learning environment and reducing the reliance on punitive measures. Let's move beyond the harmful effects of school suspension and explore evidence-based alternatives that support student well-being and academic success. Learn more about effective strategies to replace school suspension in your community and advocate for change in your school.