Why School Suspensions Are Detrimental: A Critical Look

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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The Academic Impact of School Suspensions

School suspensions significantly impact a student's academic trajectory, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the days missed. The consequences are particularly harsh for students already struggling academically.

Missed Instruction and Falling Grades

The most immediate effect of a school suspension is the loss of valuable instructional time. Students miss crucial lessons, assignments, and classroom discussions, making it difficult to keep up with their peers. Studies consistently show a direct correlation between the number of suspension days and a decline in academic performance. This leads to:

• Increased risk of grade repetition: Falling behind can make it challenging to succeed, often resulting in the need to repeat a grade.
• Difficulty in maintaining academic momentum: The disruption to learning can hinder a student's ability to progress effectively through the curriculum.
• Negative impact on standardized test scores: Missed instruction directly impacts a student's preparedness for standardized tests, potentially affecting future educational opportunities.

The cumulative effect of these setbacks can significantly lower a student's GPA and reduce their chances of graduating on time. This is especially true for students already at risk of academic failure.

The Cycle of Suspension and Truancy

Suspensions frequently contribute to a vicious cycle of absenteeism and eventual school dropout. Once a student has been suspended, they may feel alienated from the school environment, leading to increased anxiety about returning. This can manifest as:

• Feeling alienated from school: The experience of suspension can create a sense of disconnect and mistrust towards the school community.
• Loss of connection with teachers and peers: Missed social interaction can further isolate the student, making it harder to reintegrate into the classroom.
• Increased likelihood of involvement in risky behaviors: Time away from school, without structured activities, may increase the chances of engaging in harmful activities.

This cycle reinforces negative behaviors and creates significant barriers to academic success, ultimately increasing the likelihood of dropping out of school.

The Social and Emotional Consequences of School Suspension

Beyond the academic repercussions, school suspensions have profound and lasting social and emotional consequences for students.

Negative Impact on Mental Health

The experience of suspension can be incredibly damaging to a student's mental health. The feeling of being punished and excluded can lead to:

• Increased feelings of isolation and shame: Suspension often carries a significant social stigma, leading to feelings of embarrassment and low self-esteem.
• Higher risk of substance abuse and self-harm: Students struggling with mental health issues may resort to self-destructive behaviors as a coping mechanism.
• Difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships: The social isolation and emotional distress caused by suspension can damage relationships with peers, teachers, and family members.

These negative impacts can have long-term consequences, affecting the student's overall well-being and mental health for years to come.

Increased Risk of Involvement in the Juvenile Justice System

A concerning trend reveals a strong correlation between school suspensions and involvement with the juvenile justice system. This connection contributes significantly to the "school-to-prison pipeline," disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Factors contributing to this include:

• Exposure to negative influences during suspension: Time away from school can expose students to negative peer groups and risky situations.
• Lack of structure and supervision outside of school: Without the structure and support of the school environment, students may be more likely to engage in delinquent behavior.
• Criminalization of minor misbehaviors: Harsh disciplinary measures, including suspension for minor infractions, can contribute to the criminalization of childhood misbehavior.

Alternative Disciplinary Approaches and Positive School Climate

Fortunately, there are alternative disciplinary approaches that promote positive school climates and prevent the negative consequences associated with suspensions.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and building relationships rather than simply punishing offenders. These practices involve:

• Focus on repairing harm and building relationships: The emphasis is on understanding the impact of actions and finding ways to make amends.
• Involvement of all stakeholders in conflict resolution: Students, teachers, parents, and administrators work together to find solutions.
• Emphasis on accountability and restorative consequences: Consequences are tailored to address the specific needs of the student and the situation.

By fostering a sense of community and responsibility, restorative justice can significantly reduce disciplinary problems and create a more positive school environment.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive approach that focuses on preventing disruptive behavior through:

• Clear expectations and consistent discipline: Establish clear behavioral expectations and apply consequences consistently and fairly.
• Positive reinforcement and rewards: Recognize and reward positive behavior to encourage its continuation.
• Collaboration between school staff, students, and families: Create a supportive network that involves all stakeholders in promoting positive behavior.

PBIS creates a more positive and supportive school environment where students feel safe, respected, and engaged in their learning.

Conclusion

School suspensions are detrimental to students' academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and future prospects. They contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline and exacerbate existing inequalities. The negative impact on academic progress, mental health, and future opportunities is undeniable. We need to move away from punitive measures like school suspensions and embrace alternative disciplinary approaches that prioritize positive school climates and student success. Let's work together to replace harmful school suspensions with restorative practices and positive behavioral interventions. We can build schools where all students thrive and reach their full potential. Demand change and support initiatives that promote effective alternatives to school suspensions.