According to research from sociologists at the University of Arkansas, students who are suspended or expelled can experience elevated rates of depression through their teen years and into early adulthood.
Although previous studies connect suspensions and expulsions to a range of poor academic outcomes (e.g., lower standardized test scores and graduation rates), the Arkansas researchers aver that their study provides new insights into the impact on long-term mental health patterns. In fact, research findings emphasize that exclusionary discipline is not only an educational concern but a significant public health issue that requires policy interventions and recommend that schools employ a holistic and compassionate approach to behavior issues, which can include restorative justice approaches, which are most impactful when not just used as an alternative to discipline, but as a schoolwide approach to student well-being
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