Suspension exacerbates problem behaviour: Research

Article

Suspension exacerbates problem behaviour: Research

30/03/14

Non-violent misbehaving students should be referred to a psychologist rather than be suspended, according to research undertaken at the Australian Catholic University.

The Herald Sun has reported that a PhD student from the university, Daniel Quin, found suspension could exacerbate problem behaviour, from his study of 304 high school students.

“We should instead be trying to understand from the students’ perspective why they are doing what they are doing and what they need so they can change their behaviour,” Quin told a conference last week.

“We could start by getting them referred to a psychologist.”

He said suspension, however, might be still necessary for violent students.

Mr Quin’s research found only a third of students sent home are supervised while suspended.

CompliSpace

CompliSpace is Ideagen’s SaaS-enabled solution that helps organisations in highly-regulated industries meet their governance, risk, compliance and policy management obligations.

Article

Setting your boarding staff up for success: why policy clarity matters

Boarding governance touches on child safety, complaints handling, student health, and much more....

Strengthening child safety recruitment: what schools must do to ensure robust recruitment practices

Legislative and regulatory changes to be aware of in 2026

Sign up today!

Article