The Negative Impact Of School Suspensions On Students

6 min read Post on May 02, 2025

The Negative Impact Of School Suspensions On Students

Academic Consequences of School Suspensions

School suspensions significantly disrupt a student's education, leading to a cascade of negative academic outcomes. The consequences extend beyond simply missing a few days of school.

Increased Absenteeism and Falling Grades

The direct link between suspension and missed classes is undeniable. Suspended students miss crucial lessons, assignments, and tests, directly impacting their grades and overall academic performance.

Increased likelihood of dropping out: Studies show a strong correlation between suspensions and increased dropout rates. The cumulative effect of missed learning and the feeling of disconnection from school can lead students down a path toward disengagement and ultimately, leaving school altogether.
Difficulty catching up on missed work: Even if a student attempts to make up for lost time, catching up on missed coursework can be incredibly challenging, often resulting in incomplete assignments and lower grades. The added pressure can further discourage a student already struggling.
Negative impact on GPA: The accumulation of lower grades due to missed classes and incomplete assignments directly impacts a student's GPA, potentially affecting college applications and future opportunities. This creates a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.

Research consistently shows that students with multiple suspensions experience significantly lower GPAs than their peers. For example, a study by the National Education Association found that students suspended more than once were three times more likely to have a GPA below 2.0.

Disruption of Learning and Development

Suspensions interrupt the continuity of learning, damaging academic progress and hindering the development of essential skills. This disruption goes beyond simply missing content; it affects a student's overall engagement and relationship with the learning process.

Missed crucial lessons and exams: Suspensions often coincide with important lessons, unit tests, or even major exams, creating significant gaps in a student's understanding and potentially impacting their overall academic standing.
Difficulty forming positive relationships with teachers: Repeated suspensions can damage a student's relationship with teachers, creating a cycle of mistrust and disengagement that further hinders their learning. Teachers may become less invested in supporting a student with a history of disciplinary issues.
Reduced engagement in learning activities: The negative experience of suspension can lead to decreased motivation and engagement in classroom activities, making it harder for students to catch up and succeed. This reduced engagement can impact not just their grades, but their overall outlook toward education.

Subjects requiring sequential learning, like mathematics and science, are particularly vulnerable to the disruptive effects of suspension.

Social-Emotional and Behavioral Impacts of School Suspensions

Beyond academics, school suspensions have profound and long-lasting effects on a student's social-emotional well-being and behavior.

Increased Risk of Delinquency and Criminal Activity

Suspensions are linked to increased involvement in delinquent and criminal activities, contributing to the concerning school-to-prison pipeline.

Limited access to support services: Suspended students often lose access to crucial support services such as counseling, mentoring, and academic assistance, leaving them vulnerable to negative influences.
Association with negative peer groups: Time away from school can lead suspended students to associate with peers who engage in risky behavior, reinforcing negative patterns and increasing the likelihood of future infractions.
Increased likelihood of future arrests: Studies have shown a strong correlation between school suspensions and future arrests, highlighting the significant long-term consequences of this disciplinary approach. This is a complex issue often influenced by socioeconomic factors and systemic inequalities.

Restorative justice practices, which focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships, offer a more effective alternative to punitive suspensions.

Mental Health Challenges and Emotional Distress

The emotional toll of suspension is often underestimated. Students may experience feelings of isolation, shame, anger, and decreased self-esteem.

Increased anxiety and depression: Suspension can trigger or exacerbate existing mental health conditions, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.
Difficulty forming healthy relationships: The stigma associated with suspension can make it difficult for students to form and maintain healthy relationships with peers and teachers, further isolating them.
Increased risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation: In extreme cases, the emotional distress caused by suspension can lead to self-harm or suicidal ideation, emphasizing the critical need for mental health support for suspended students.

Providing access to mental health resources and support is crucial for mitigating the negative emotional impact of suspension.

Long-Term Effects and Alternative Approaches to Discipline

The consequences of school suspensions extend far beyond the immediate period of suspension, impacting a student's future educational and employment opportunities.

Impact on Future Educational Opportunities and Employment

A suspension record can significantly hinder a student's future prospects, creating lasting barriers to success.

Difficulty securing financial aid: College applications often require disclosure of disciplinary records, which can negatively impact a student's eligibility for financial aid and scholarships.
Negative impact on college admissions: Admissions committees may view suspensions negatively, reducing a student's chances of acceptance at their desired colleges or universities.
Challenges finding employment: Background checks often include school disciplinary records, which can create barriers to employment for students with a history of suspensions.

Clear and fair disciplinary procedures, including due process and opportunities for appeal, are essential to ensure that suspensions are used judiciously and proportionally.

Exploring Alternative Disciplinary Strategies

Numerous alternative disciplinary strategies prioritize positive behavior interventions and support (PBIS) and restorative justice principles.

In-school suspension: Allows students to remain in school while serving their suspension, minimizing academic disruption and allowing for continued access to support services.
Community service: Engages students in meaningful activities that benefit the community, promoting a sense of responsibility and helping them to repair any harm they may have caused.
Restorative conferences: Bring together students, teachers, and parents to discuss the incident, understand its impact, and collaboratively develop a plan for moving forward.
Counseling and mentorship programs: Provide students with individualized support to address underlying behavioral issues and develop positive coping mechanisms.

These methods prioritize positive behavior and build stronger school communities, reducing the need for suspensions and fostering a more supportive learning environment.

Conclusion

School suspensions have significant negative consequences for students, impacting their academic progress, social-emotional well-being, and future opportunities. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates the detrimental effects of suspensions, highlighting the urgent need for a shift toward more humane and effective disciplinary approaches. The long-term consequences of student suspensions, including increased absenteeism, lower grades, and an increased risk of involvement in the school-to-prison pipeline, must be addressed.

Let's work together to reduce the reliance on school suspensions and create more supportive and inclusive learning environments for all students. By embracing alternative discipline strategies, we can help students thrive academically and emotionally, building a brighter future. Replacing punitive measures with restorative practices offers a pathway toward creating schools that are not only safer but also nurturing and empowering for every student.