Why School Suspensions Are Detrimental To Students

Rajiv Sharma

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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Academic Disruption Caused by School Suspensions

School suspensions represent a significant disruption to a student's education, leading to a cascade of negative academic consequences. The immediate effect is missed classes, which translates directly to lost instructional time. This lost learning time impacts students in multiple ways, significantly affecting their academic achievement.

• Lost instructional time translates to lower grades and test scores: Missing even a few days of school can leave students struggling to keep up with coursework, ultimately impacting their grade point average (GPA). The cumulative effect of multiple suspensions can be devastating.
• Difficulty catching up on missed material creates academic frustration and feelings of inadequacy: The sheer volume of missed work and the pressure to catch up can be overwhelming, leading to frustration, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy. This can further disengage students from their studies.
• Increased likelihood of dropping out of school due to academic struggles: Students who repeatedly fall behind due to suspensions are at a much higher risk of dropping out of school altogether. The cycle of suspension, falling grades, and disengagement can be difficult to break.
• Negative impact on graduation rates and future educational opportunities: The long-term consequences of school suspensions extend beyond high school. Lower GPAs and higher dropout rates limit future educational opportunities, impacting college applications and career prospects.

The Social and Emotional Impact of School Suspensions

Beyond the academic repercussions, school suspensions have profound social and emotional consequences for students. The experience of being suspended often leads to feelings of social isolation and stigmatization.

• Feelings of shame and isolation from peers: Suspension isolates students from their social support networks, leading to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and loneliness. Students may fear being judged or ostracized by their classmates upon their return.
• Damage to student's self-esteem and confidence: The experience of being removed from school can significantly damage a student's self-esteem and confidence. Feeling punished and excluded can contribute to a negative self-image and a sense of hopelessness.
• Increased risk of involvement in negative peer groups: During suspension, students are more likely to associate with negative peer groups, increasing the risk of engaging in further behavioral problems. The lack of structured activity and positive influences can lead to risky behaviors.
• Potential for increased behavioral problems upon return to school: Paradoxically, suspension can actually exacerbate behavioral problems. Instead of rehabilitation, it can reinforce negative behaviors, making it more difficult for students to readjust to the school environment.

The School-to-Prison Pipeline and School Suspensions

A particularly concerning aspect of school suspensions is their contribution to the school-to-prison pipeline. The disproportionate suspension rates for students of color and students with disabilities highlight systemic inequities within the educational system. Suspensions can act as a gateway to future involvement with the juvenile justice system.

• Increased exposure to negative influences outside of school: Time spent away from school exposes students to negative influences and environments, increasing the likelihood of involvement in criminal activity.
• Reinforcement of negative behaviors through punishment rather than rehabilitation: Suspension often punishes misbehavior without addressing the underlying causes, reinforcing negative behaviors rather than providing support and rehabilitation.
• Disproportionate suspension rates for students of color and students with disabilities: Research consistently demonstrates that students of color and students with disabilities are disproportionately suspended, highlighting the racial and disability biases embedded within school discipline systems. This perpetuates systemic inequities within the education system and contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline.

More Effective Alternatives to School Suspensions

Fortunately, there are more effective and humane alternatives to school suspensions. Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) and restorative justice practices offer promising solutions that address the root causes of misbehavior rather than simply punishing students.

• Conflict resolution and mediation programs: These programs teach students valuable conflict resolution skills, enabling them to address disagreements peacefully and respectfully.
• Counseling and mentorship opportunities: Providing students with access to counseling and mentorship can address underlying emotional and behavioral issues, preventing future problems.
• Positive reinforcement strategies: Focusing on positive reinforcement and rewarding good behavior can be far more effective than punishment in motivating students to make positive choices.
• Focus on addressing root causes of misbehavior: Instead of simply reacting to misbehavior, schools need to identify and address the underlying causes, such as poverty, trauma, or learning disabilities.

Conclusion: Rethinking School Discipline and Avoiding Detrimental School Suspensions

School suspensions are a detrimental disciplinary practice with far-reaching negative consequences for students' academic performance, social-emotional development, and future prospects. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates the need to rethink school discipline policies and prioritize alternative strategies. We must move away from punitive measures and embrace restorative justice and positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) as more effective and equitable approaches to student discipline. Let's work together to reduce school suspensions and create a school environment that fosters positive behavior, academic success, and social-emotional well-being for all students. Advocate for changes in your school's discipline policies – let's find alternatives to school suspension and build a better future for our students.