Schools Ordered to Halt Social Media Use for Suspended Students

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New Approach to School Discipline

Schools in England are set to implement a new policy that will significantly alter how suspended students are handled. The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has announced plans to stop sending suspended pupils home and instead have them serve their punishment on school premises. This change comes as a response to concerns that many students are using their time at home for social media, gaming, and other online activities, which she believes undermines the effectiveness of suspension as a disciplinary measure.

Under the proposed system, students who are suspended will be placed in designated exclusion zones within the school. These areas will be equipped with structured work to ensure that students do not fall behind in their studies. The goal is to make suspensions more meaningful by keeping students engaged in their education even during periods of disciplinary action.

External suspensions, where students are sent home, will only be used in extreme cases, such as those involving violence or serious misconduct. Mrs. Phillipson emphasized that this shift is necessary because the current approach has led to a devaluation of the punishment. She argued that when students are at home, they often engage in activities that do not align with the intent of the suspension, thereby reducing its impact on behavior.

Reactions from Opposition and Unions

The proposal has faced criticism from various quarters. Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, described the plan as “micromanagement from the centre.” She expressed concerns that weakening the consequences of poor behavior could lead to a decline in standards, particularly in already struggling schools. Trott warned that such measures might encourage schools to reduce suspension figures rather than address underlying behavioral issues effectively.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, also voiced his concerns, stating that the plan risks “weakening” the deterrent effect of external suspensions. He argued that sending students home serves as a clear signal to both pupils and their families that behavior has crossed an unacceptable threshold. Any policy that undermines the ability of schools to maintain discipline, he said, would not be welcomed by teachers or parents.

Legal and Practical Considerations

The new policy is expected to be outlined in a forthcoming schools white paper. The government aims to introduce guidance that limits at-home suspensions to the most severe cases. However, school heads will retain the authority to decide whether a particular situation warrants an external suspension.

Currently, suspension laws require students to be removed from school premises. The government plans to seek a legal change to make in-school suspensions the default option. A consultation on these changes will be launched, with the intention of implementing the new rules from September 2027.

Suspensions were first introduced 40 years ago, but the Department for Education now believes they have become less effective due to increased access to technology. Students can easily connect with friends and engage in gaming or social media while at home, which detracts from the purpose of the punishment.

Impact on Learning and Behavior

Mrs. Phillipson highlighted that suspensions play a critical role in managing poor behavior, but the current system has led to a significant loss of learning. She stressed the importance of restoring suspensions as a serious sanction while ensuring that students remain engaged in their education. By keeping students in school during their suspension, the government hopes to reduce the burden on teachers, who often spend valuable time helping students catch up after being away.

In the 2023-24 academic year, nearly a million suspensions were issued to state school pupils in England—marking a record high and a 21% increase compared to the previous year. This data underscores the growing concern about the effectiveness of the current system and the need for reform.