Punitive school behaviour policies are causing harm to children and young people’s mental health and in some cases are at risk of contravening schools’ duties to equality and diversity, according to a new report by the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition.
The Behaviour and Mental Health in Schools report is based on a year-long inquiry led by the Coalition into behaviour and mental health in schools. The inquiry asked young people, parents, carers and professionals their views on current approaches to behaviour management and mental health in schools and how they can be improved, via an online survey and evidence sessions.
The report finds that whilst it is important for schools to have clear expectations and boundaries in place, punitive approaches to behaviour management are harming children and young people’s mental health. Young people, parents, and professionals who took part in the inquiry reported that the use of behaviour management techniques such as removal rooms, exclusions, and fines and penalties for non-attendance are some of the most detrimental techniques used by schools.
