Parents facing the suspension or expulsion of their child may feel like accepting the discipline and moving on is the best response. However, a new study from the University of Arkansas suggests that discipline may have a more serious impact on the mental health of students than previously thought. The study found that students who were suspended or expelled from school had increased odds of suffering depression. This elevated risk of depression continued throughout their teens and early twenties. School discipline is more than an educational issue—it is a public health issue. If the child exposed to the long-term negative mental health consequences of discipline is your child, it's personal.

If you are the parent of a child facing discipline, the Lento Law Firm is here to provide defense and advice. You don't need to accept discipline that may harm your child profoundly over the long term. The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is here to help and guide you in making the best decision for your child. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or provide your details online, and we will contact you.

Discipline of K-12 Students

Civil rights data from the US Department of Education show that over half a million students were suspended or expelled during the 2020-21 school year. At the Lento Law Firm, we have spent the last decade defending students, and the reasons that K-12 students face discipline are varied. Some face allegations of cheating or plagiarism, while others are disciplined for behavioral violations like fighting.

Whatever the reason for a suspension or expulsion, one thing is clear. Students face serious issues after exclusionary discipline, including lower test scores and difficulty progressing. Students who have been suspended are less likely to graduate and are more likely to experience mental health issues. They will find it much more difficult to get into the college of their choice, especially after allegations of cheating or plagiarism.

A Better Model of Discipline

The researchers from the University of Arkansas stressed the importance of a holistic and compassionate approach to discipline for K-12 students. This may take the form of restorative justice, which emphasizes building and repairing relationships rather than punishment. After the COVID pandemic, many schools became more responsive to alternatives like restorative justice. At the Lento Law Firm, we believe in using alternative disciplines to prevent the tremendous harm done by suspending or expelling students.

How the Lento Law Firm Can Help

Whatever the allegations, if your child is facing the possibility of suspension or expulsion, it is vital that you act immediately. The Lento Law Firm has a proven track record of helping K-12 students accused of misconduct. We understand the importance of protecting your child's mental health and future. The long-term effects of bad discipline are serious, but we will stand with you to arrive at the best outcome possible. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or fill out our online form, and we will reach out to you.