School Suspensions: More Harm Than Good? A Comprehensive Analysis

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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H2: The Negative Impact of School Suspensions on Academic Performance

School suspensions, even short-term ones, significantly disrupt a student's academic trajectory. The lost instructional time and the challenges of catching up contribute to a cycle of underachievement.

H3: Increased Absenteeism and Falling Grades

Suspensions directly translate to missed classes, leading to:

• Missed assignments and tests: Students miss crucial learning opportunities, falling behind their peers.
• Difficulty catching up: The workload of missed material can be overwhelming, leading to further discouragement and academic struggle.
• Negative impact on GPA: Missed assignments and lower test scores directly impact a student's Grade Point Average, potentially affecting future educational opportunities.

Studies consistently demonstrate a strong correlation between school suspensions and lower academic achievement. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Educational Research found that students suspended even once were significantly more likely to experience lower GPAs and increased grade retention.

H3: Long-Term Effects on Educational Attainment

The repercussions of school suspensions extend far beyond immediate academic setbacks. They contribute to:

• Higher dropout rates: Students who experience repeated suspensions are at a much higher risk of dropping out of school altogether.
• Lower graduation rates: Even if students manage to stay enrolled, suspensions can hinder their progress, reducing their likelihood of graduating on time.
• Reduced college enrollment: Lower GPAs and disrupted educational pathways make college enrollment considerably less likely for students with a history of suspensions.

Furthermore, students with suspension records are more likely to become involved with the juvenile justice system, further limiting their educational and career opportunities and impacting their future earning potential. Research consistently demonstrates a link between school suspensions and diminished educational opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.

H2: The Psychological and Social Consequences of Suspension

Beyond the academic repercussions, school suspensions inflict significant psychological and social damage on students.

H3: Mental Health Impacts

Suspension can trigger or exacerbate existing mental health challenges, leading to:

• Increased feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety: The feeling of being expelled from the school community can be deeply isolating and emotionally damaging.
• Increased risk of self-harm and substance abuse: Students struggling with emotional distress may turn to self-harm or substance abuse as coping mechanisms.
• Increased anger and behavioral problems: Suspension can further fuel feelings of resentment and frustration, leading to more disruptive behaviors.

Child psychologists emphasize the detrimental impact of suspension on a child's emotional well-being. The removal from a supportive learning environment, coupled with the stigma of suspension, can have lasting negative effects on mental health.

H3: Social Stigma and Exclusion

Suspension often results in social isolation and stigmatization:

• Difficulty reintegrating into the classroom environment: Returning to school after a suspension can be challenging, often leading to social awkwardness and difficulty rebuilding relationships.
• Increased risk of bullying and victimization: Students with a history of suspensions may become targets for bullying, further exacerbating their feelings of isolation and alienation.
• Damage to self-esteem and confidence: The experience of suspension can severely damage a student’s self-esteem and confidence, impacting their overall well-being.

Case studies repeatedly show how suspension can create a vicious cycle of social exclusion, making it harder for students to succeed both academically and socially.

H2: More Effective Alternatives to School Suspensions

Fortunately, there are more effective and humane alternatives to school suspensions:

H3: Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and promoting reconciliation. This involves:

• Restorative circles: Meetings involving the student, victim, and other stakeholders to discuss the harm caused and create a plan for repair.
• Conflict mediation: Neutral third parties help students resolve conflicts peacefully and constructively.
• Peer mediation: Students learn to mediate conflicts among their peers, promoting empathy and conflict-resolution skills.

Successful implementations of restorative justice demonstrate a significant reduction in suspension rates and improved school climate.

H3: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS frameworks proactively prevent disruptive behaviors through:

• Classroom management techniques: Teachers implement strategies to create positive and engaging learning environments.
• School-wide behavior expectations: Clear expectations are established and consistently enforced throughout the school.
• Individualized support plans: Students receiving support tailored to their unique needs are less likely to engage in disruptive behaviors.

Research shows that PBIS significantly reduces suspension rates while improving student behavior and school climate.

H3: Addressing the Root Causes of Misbehavior

Effective disciplinary strategies must address the underlying reasons for misbehavior, including:

• Poverty and trauma: Students facing poverty or trauma often exhibit challenging behaviors as a result of their circumstances.
• Learning disabilities: Students with undiagnosed or unaddressed learning disabilities may act out due to frustration and academic struggles.
• Lack of social-emotional support: Students lacking adequate social-emotional support may struggle to regulate their emotions and behaviors.

Addressing these root causes through comprehensive support services, collaboration between schools, families, and communities, leads to sustainable solutions and prevents future disciplinary issues.

3. Conclusion

This analysis clearly demonstrates that school suspensions often cause more harm than good, negatively impacting students' academic progress, mental health, and future opportunities. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the adoption of more effective alternatives. It's time to move beyond the reliance on school suspensions as a primary disciplinary measure. By embracing restorative justice, PBIS, and comprehensive support services, we can create safer, more inclusive, and more successful learning environments for all students. Let's work together to reduce the harmful impact of school suspensions and build a better future for our children. Further research and open discussions on this critical issue are crucial to implement effective changes in school disciplinary practices.