School Suspension: Understanding The Long-Term Negative Effects

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Academic Consequences of School Suspension

School suspension significantly impacts a student's academic progress, creating a ripple effect that can hinder their future success. The immediate loss of instructional time directly translates into lower grades and increased academic struggles.

Missed Instruction and Falling Grades

The most direct consequence of school suspension is the significant amount of missed instruction. Students miss classes, lectures, and crucial learning opportunities, leading to a gap in their understanding of course material.

• Increased risk of grade failure: Missing even a few days of school can result in failing grades, especially in subjects requiring daily engagement.
• Difficulty understanding subsequent material: Missed concepts form a foundation for future learning. Failing to grasp these foundational concepts makes it exponentially harder to understand more advanced material.
• Widening achievement gap: Students already struggling academically are disproportionately affected by suspension, exacerbating existing inequalities and widening the achievement gap.

Studies consistently show a strong correlation between increased school suspension rates and declining academic performance. A 2018 study by the National Education Association found that students suspended even once were significantly more likely to experience lower GPA's and higher dropout rates.

Increased Risk of Dropping Out

The negative impact of school suspension extends beyond immediate academic setbacks; it significantly increases the risk of dropping out of school. The feeling of alienation and disengagement from the school environment fostered by suspension can lead to a downward spiral.

• Disengagement from school: Repeated suspensions create a sense of disconnect and resentment towards the school system.
• Feelings of alienation: Suspended students often feel stigmatized and isolated from their peers, further exacerbating their disengagement.
• Lack of support systems: Suspension often disrupts crucial support systems, such as peer relationships and teacher mentorship, leaving students feeling alone and unsupported.

The long-term economic repercussions of dropping out are well-documented, including lower earning potential, higher unemployment rates, and increased reliance on social welfare programs. Breaking the cycle of school suspension is therefore crucial for improving long-term economic outcomes for students and society as a whole.

Social and Emotional Impacts of School Suspension

Beyond the academic ramifications, school suspension carries profound social and emotional consequences, impacting a student's self-esteem, mental health, and overall well-being.

Damaged Self-Esteem and Mental Health

Suspension can be deeply damaging to a student's self-esteem. The feeling of being punished and removed from the learning environment can lead to shame, isolation, and feelings of failure.

• Negative self-perception: Suspended students may internalize the negative label associated with suspension, leading to a diminished sense of self-worth.
• Strained relationships with peers and teachers: Suspension can damage relationships with peers and teachers, further isolating students and hindering their reintegration into the school community.
• Increased likelihood of behavioral problems: The negative emotions associated with suspension can lead to increased behavioral problems and further disciplinary actions.

Research strongly suggests a link between school suspension and increased mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation.

Increased Risk of Delinquency and Criminal Behavior

A disturbingly high correlation exists between school suspension and future involvement in delinquent or criminal activities. This connection underscores the need for proactive and preventative measures.

• Exposure to negative influences: Suspension can expose students to negative influences, potentially leading to involvement in gangs or other criminal activities.
• Lack of positive role models: Removed from the structured environment of school, suspended students may lack positive role models and guidance.
• Limited opportunities for positive engagement: Suspension often leaves students with excessive free time and limited opportunities for positive engagement, increasing their risk of engaging in harmful behaviors.

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the link between school suspension and subsequent involvement in the juvenile justice system, highlighting the urgent need for alternative approaches to school discipline.

The School-to-Prison Pipeline and School Suspension

School suspension plays a significant role in perpetuating the school-to-prison pipeline, a cycle where students are funneled from school disciplinary actions to the juvenile justice system.

Understanding the Cycle

The school-to-prison pipeline is driven by several factors, including:

• Over-reliance on suspension for minor infractions: Many schools disproportionately rely on suspension for minor behavioral issues, rather than addressing the underlying causes.
• Disproportionate suspension rates for certain demographics: Students of color and students with disabilities are often suspended at far higher rates than their white peers, highlighting systemic biases within the school discipline system.
• Lack of alternative disciplinary methods: The absence of effective alternative disciplinary methods contributes to the overuse of suspension as a primary disciplinary measure.

This cycle perpetuates inequality and negatively impacts the life trajectory of many students.

Advocating for Alternatives

To disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and mitigate the long-term negative consequences of school suspension, alternative disciplinary approaches are crucial.

• Restorative justice: This approach emphasizes repairing harm and fostering understanding between students and the school community.
• Conflict resolution programs: These programs teach students conflict resolution skills and provide tools for managing disagreements peacefully.
• Positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS): PBIS focuses on proactively teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors, creating a more supportive school environment.

Successful alternative disciplinary programs demonstrate that positive behavior interventions, coupled with supportive school environments, can significantly reduce suspension rates and improve student outcomes.

Conclusion

The long-term effects of school suspension are far-reaching and detrimental, impacting students' academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and future prospects. From missed instruction and increased dropout rates to damaged self-esteem and increased risk of delinquency, the consequences are significant and demand immediate attention. Understanding the devastating long-term effects of school suspension is crucial. Let's work together to promote positive disciplinary strategies and break the cycle of school suspension, creating more supportive and inclusive school environments for all students. We must advocate for and implement alternative disciplinary practices, such as restorative justice and PBIS, to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Let's prioritize creating schools where every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential, free from the destructive cycle of school suspension.