Why School Suspensions Are Detrimental To Students

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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The Academic Impact of School Suspensions

School suspensions directly undermine a student's academic performance and future opportunities. The lost learning time and the difficulty of catching up significantly contribute to a cycle of academic struggle.

Missed Instruction and Falling Grades

The most immediate consequence of school suspensions is missed instruction. Students who are suspended miss crucial lessons, assignments, and assessments. This lost learning time makes it incredibly difficult to catch up, leading to:

• Lost learning time: Days spent out of the classroom represent a significant gap in their education.
• Difficulty catching up: The material covered during the suspension period often builds upon previous lessons, making it challenging to reintegrate.
• Increased risk of failing grades: Missed assignments and tests directly impact grades, potentially leading to failing marks in multiple subjects.
• Negative impact on GPA: Failing grades and missed coursework dramatically affect a student's overall GPA, which has lasting implications for college applications and future opportunities. The cumulative effect of multiple suspensions on GPA can be devastating.

Increased Risk of Dropping Out

The negative academic impact of suspensions often contributes to a student's disengagement from school, increasing the risk of dropping out. The feelings of alienation and lack of support can become overwhelming. This includes:

• Disengagement from school: Repeated suspensions can lead to a sense of hopelessness and a belief that school is not a safe or welcoming place.
• Feelings of alienation: Students may feel isolated and disconnected from their peers and teachers.
• Lack of support systems: Suspensions often disrupt the support systems that are crucial for a student's academic success.

The Social-Emotional Impact of School Suspensions

Beyond academics, school suspensions inflict significant damage on a student's social-emotional well-being. The emotional toll of suspension extends far beyond the days spent out of school.

Damaged Self-Esteem and Mental Health

Suspension can severely impact a student's self-esteem and mental health, often leading to:

• Feelings of shame and humiliation: Being removed from the school environment can be deeply embarrassing and damaging to self-worth.
• Isolation and loneliness: Suspended students are often isolated from their peers and social networks, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and depression.
• Increased anxiety and depression: The stress and stigma associated with suspension can trigger or worsen anxiety and depression.
• Potential for increased behavioral problems: Feeling isolated and unsupported, students may engage in further behavioral issues.

Strained Relationships with Teachers and Peers

Suspensions negatively affect crucial relationships essential for a positive learning environment. The damage to these relationships can be hard to repair:

• Difficulty reintegrating into the classroom: Returning to school after a suspension can be challenging, with students often facing strained relationships with teachers and peers.
• Social isolation: The stigma of suspension can lead to social isolation, making it difficult to rebuild relationships.
• Reduced trust: Suspensions can erode the trust between students, teachers, and administrators. Building trust back takes considerable time and effort.

The Long-Term Consequences of School Suspensions

The negative impacts of school suspensions are far-reaching, extending well beyond the immediate consequences and affecting a student's long-term prospects.

Increased Risk of Juvenile Delinquency

Studies have shown a correlation between school suspensions and increased involvement in juvenile delinquency. The reasons for this are complex, but it's clear that:

• Exposure to negative influences: Time spent away from school can expose students to negative influences and risky behaviors.
• Lack of structure and support: The absence of the structured environment of school can leave students vulnerable to negative peer pressure and criminal activity.
• Decreased opportunities: A history of suspensions can limit access to positive activities and opportunities, further increasing the risk of delinquency.

Reduced Future Opportunities

A history of school suspensions can significantly impact a student's future opportunities, including:

• Negative impact on college applications: Colleges often consider disciplinary records when reviewing applications, and a history of suspensions can be detrimental.
• Employment difficulties: Potential employers often conduct background checks, and a record of suspensions can negatively impact employment prospects.
• Limited opportunities: The cumulative effect of academic setbacks, social-emotional challenges, and a criminal record can significantly limit future opportunities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, school suspensions negatively affect students' academic progress, social-emotional well-being, and long-term prospects. The consequences extend far beyond the immediate punishment, creating a cycle of disadvantage that is difficult to overcome. Instead of relying on school suspensions as a primary disciplinary approach, we need to find alternatives that support student success. Let's work together to find alternatives to school suspensions and create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. We must explore effective strategies to reduce the reliance on school suspensions and improve student outcomes, focusing on restorative justice and positive behavioral interventions. Let's build a system that fosters success, not failure, for all students by implementing effective alternatives to school suspensions.