Why detention and suspension aren't enough to combat school bullying

[WORLD] In recent years, the issue of school bullying has gained significant attention, prompting educators, parents, and policymakers to seek effective solutions. While traditional disciplinary measures like detention and suspension have long been the go-to responses for addressing bullying behavior, mounting evidence suggests that these approaches alone are insufficient in solving this complex problem.

The Limitations of Traditional Disciplinary Measures

Detention and suspension, once considered effective deterrents, are now being scrutinized for their limited impact on curbing bullying behaviors. These punitive measures often fail to address the root causes of bullying and may even exacerbate the problem in some cases.

Ineffectiveness of Suspension

Research has shown that out-of-school suspension is not only ineffective in improving future behavior but also disproportionately affects certain student groups. A study by Fabelo et al. (2011) found that students who received suspensions were more likely to be held back, drop out, or become involved in criminal activity.

Detention as a Short-Term Solution

While detention may seem like a logical consequence for misbehavior, its effectiveness in preventing bullying is questionable. Infantino and Little (2005) found that students perceived detention as one of the most effective deterrents. However, this perception doesn't necessarily translate to long-term behavioral change.

The Need for a Holistic Approach

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing's emphasis on rehabilitating bullies rather than solely punishing them marks a progressive step towards addressing the issue more comprehensively. A holistic approach that combines traditional disciplinary measures with counseling and restorative actions is crucial for effective intervention.

Counseling and Empathy Development

Counseling plays a vital role in helping students understand the impact of their behavior, develop empathy, and learn better ways to interact with peers. It provides an opportunity to unpack and address underlying issues that contribute to bullying behaviors, such as aggression modeled at home or in peer contexts.

Restorative Practices

Implementing restorative practices, such as mediated conversations between the bully and the victim, can promote accountability and healing. These approaches focus on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships rather than simply punishing the offender.

Prevention: A Key Component

While addressing existing bullying incidents is crucial, prevention should be a primary focus in schools. Implementing strong preventive programs can significantly reduce the likelihood of bullying occurrences.

Character and Citizenship Education

Singapore's Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum is an example of how schools can integrate anti-bullying efforts into their core educational programs. These initiatives aim to foster empathy, social skills, and emotional intelligence among students.

Creating a Culture of Care

Encouraging students to be "upstanders" – those who report or intervene when witnessing bullying – can help cultivate a culture of care and support within the school environment. This approach empowers students to take an active role in preventing bullying and creating a positive school climate.

The Role of Parents and Community

Addressing school bullying is not solely the responsibility of educators. Parents and the broader community play crucial roles in supporting anti-bullying efforts and reinforcing positive behaviors.

Parent-School Collaboration

Effective communication between schools and parents is essential to ensure consistency in addressing behavioral issues both at school and at home. Parents should be encouraged to reinforce positive behavior and support the school's rehabilitation efforts.

Community Involvement

Workshops conducted by social service agencies, such as the Singapore Children's Society, can reinforce students' core competencies and provide additional support in developing empathy and social-emotional skills.

Alternative Disciplinary Strategies

While traditional punitive measures may have limited effectiveness, alternative disciplinary strategies can provide more meaningful consequences for bullying behavior.

Logical Consequences

Implementing logical consequences that directly relate to the misbehavior can be more effective than generic punishments. For example, students who engage in bullying behavior might be required to complete community service or lose certain privileges.

Keeping Students Academically Engaged

It's crucial to keep students on track academically, even when addressing behavioral issues. Suspension often interrupts students' academic progress, increasing the likelihood of disengagement and dropout. Alternative in-school disciplinary measures can help maintain academic continuity while addressing behavioral concerns.

The Importance of Consistency and Equity

For any disciplinary approach to be effective, it must be consistently implemented and equitably applied across all student groups. Biggs et al. (2008) found that rules and sanctions have little impact on reducing future bullying or violent behaviors if they are not consistently enforced.

Addressing Underlying Factors

To effectively combat bullying, it's essential to understand and address the underlying factors that contribute to such behavior. Research has pointed to several reasons for school bullying, including aggressive behaviors observed at home or among peers.

The Role of School Climate

Creating a positive school climate is crucial in preventing and addressing bullying. Schools should focus on fostering an environment that promotes respect, inclusivity, and positive peer relationships.

Long-Term Impact of Effective Intervention

By implementing comprehensive anti-bullying strategies that go beyond traditional disciplinary measures, schools can create lasting change. Effective interventions not only address immediate bullying incidents but also contribute to students' personal growth and social-emotional development.

While detention and suspension have long been staples of school discipline, they are insufficient in addressing the complex issue of bullying. A more comprehensive approach that combines counseling, restorative practices, prevention programs, and community involvement is necessary to create meaningful change.

As Cheung Hoi Shan, Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, states, "Addressing school bullying requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond traditional disciplinary measures. By integrating counselling and restorative practices, schools can create an environment that not only deters bullying but also fosters personal growth and empathy".

By rethinking our approach to school discipline and bullying prevention, we can create safer, more supportive learning environments that benefit all students. It's time to move beyond punitive measures and embrace strategies that address the root causes of bullying while promoting empathy, accountability, and positive behavior change.