Suspension of students a controversial response to bad behaviour

When it comes to dealing with unacceptable student behaviour, suspension is not a quick fix, but many argue it should always be an option.

Suspension of students from school remains a controversial form of discipline.

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Suspension is one of the most controversial strategies used by schools in response to very poor student behaviour.

Speak to any student, parent or teacher and you’ll hear strong views and personal stories about when schools got it wrong on suspending (or failing to suspend) a student.

Poorly managed student behaviour doesn’t just damage the learning and wellbeing of the student acting out. That’s why this classroom equivalent of a toddler time-out still has its place, provided it’s used rarely and in extreme cases as part of a broader management plan.

Should suspensions from school be an option?

The strategies that schools use in response to poor student behaviour have changed drastically since my school days, either as a student or teacher.

Yet I can assure you that teachers, and principals in particular, agonise over every decision to exclude a child from class. And quite frankly, there are times when student behaviour is very challenging and has the potential to put at risk the wellbeing of others.

Suspension of students can be difficult.

When suspension is done right, student learning during time away from class is part of the plan. In some cases, an in-school suspension may be possible. However, it is important to acknowledge that in other cases, students are excluded for their own safety or for the safety of others.

So where should schools start to address emerging behavioural issues? Firstly, we need to look at what is happening in the lives of young people, including in the playground and at home.

Many of the children and young people who are suspended from school have very complex needs. Extreme behaviour can be a cry for help so we’ve got to support young people in positive ways.

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Every student is everyone’s responsibility. It is important that teachers and parents work together to get the best outcomes for kids at risk of suspension.

When it comes to student behavioural management strategies, suspension is not a quick fix but there are times when it needs to be given serious consideration.

*Greg Whitby is the executive director of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta.