Every school has rules, but the way those rules are enforced can make a big difference
in a student's experience. The case study The (De)Merits of Discipline asks an important
question: does strict punishment actually help students grow, or does it make school a more
negative place? This issue is both ethical and cultural because the way schools treat students
shapes how they view authority, responsibility, and themselves. I am writing to college students
and other young adults who tend to think critically about the systems around them, whether they
see themselves as realists, idealists, or people who challenge the status quo. I believe schools
should move away from discipline systems that rely mostly on punishment and instead focus on
building respect, accountability, and stronger relationships between teachers and students.
Respect Changes Behavior Better Than Punishment
One reason I believe this is because students are more likely to change their behavior
when they feel respected instead of embarrassed. In the Justice in Schools case study The
(De)Merits of Discipline, a teacher begins questioning her school's strict demerit system after
seeing another teacher publicly shame a student. Even though the punishment follows school
policy, it leaves the teacher wondering if the system is doing more harm than good. From my
own experience, I remember learning more from teachers who took the time to explain why
something was wrong instead of immediately handing out consequences. When students feel
like someone actually cares about them, they are usually more willing to listen and improve.
When Discipline Hurts More Than It Helps
One reason I believe this is because students are more likely to change their behavior
when they feel respected instead of embarrassed. In the Justice in Schools case study The
(De)Merits of Discipline, a teacher begins questioning her school's strict demerit system after
seeing another teacher publicly shame a student. Even though the punishment follows school
policy, it leaves the teacher wondering if the system is doing more harm than good. From my
own experience, I remember learning more from teachers who took the time to explain why
something was wrong instead of immediately handing out consequences. When students feel
like someone actually cares about them, they are usually more willing to listen and improve.
Teaching Responsibility Instead of Fear
Another problem with harsh discipline is that it can hurt a student's confidence. As
described in the case study, the student is repeatedly criticized in front of classmates, making
another teacher uncomfortable with how the situation is handled. Being embarrassed in front of
other people can make students stop participating in class or even dread coming to school.
Many students already deal with stress from work, family responsibilities, or problems outside of
school. Adding public humiliation to those struggles doesn't solve the problem; it often makes it
worse. Schools should be places where students feel supported while learning from their
mistakes.
Building Schools That Help Students Grow
I also think discipline should teach responsibility instead of simply handing out
punishments. The case study encourages readers to think about whether accountability and
compassion can exist together in school policies. Rules are important because they create
structure, but students also need opportunities to understand why their actions matter. Learning
how to accept responsibility, apologize, and make better choices prepares students for life
beyond the classroom. Those lessons stay with people much longer than a list of demerits or
suspensions ever will.
Moving Forward Together
Changing school discipline is something everyone can help with. Teachers can build
stronger relationships with students, administrators can review policies that rely too heavily on
punishment, and students can encourage respectful communication with one another. Small
changes in the way schools respond to mistakes can create a much healthier learning
environment. When schools focus on respect, accountability, and understanding instead of fear,
they help students become responsible adults who are better prepared for life after graduation.
Can We Reorganize Education?
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