School Suspensions - Reward or Consequence? When Paul was called to the principals office, he knew that under the school's new zero tolerance policy on bullying, he would be suspended for several days. Instead of being concerned with what the principal was about to say or what his parents were going to say, Paul was planning an X-Box and television marathon. Maybe a little time surfing the internet and finding new player for his online games. Sure enough the principal finished the conversation with a three day suspension and a letter of apology. Paul figured it was a small price to pay considering that he will have the house to himself while his mom and dad are at work. While the other kids are working on science and algebra, he will be working on the next level of GTA - Vice City. "Suckers" he thought to himself. There was a time when a suspension was figured to be a benefit to the rules of the school yard. It now is an outdated reward system. With the abundance of home entertainment and interconnectivity, we see technology changing more than the face of business. With more and more parents needing to work outside the home we become even more disconnected from the values and traditional ideas of past. Instead of sending children home for negative behavior we need to ensure that the reaction to their negative action is actually a punishment. Without consequence, the learned behavior can not or will not be effectively changed. Thus, implementation of in school consequence should be of greater interest and utilization. With the use of in school consequence, the most effective tool can be in play. That tool is "peer pressure". When most people hear the words peer pressure, the think negative. Peer pressure is actually very instrumental in the positive development of children and youth. How many times have we heard someone tell a child, "Look they are all doing it?" and watched the child to whom they said those words go and join in. Peer pressure is a powerful tool. Why do so many children want to wear the $150. shoes and $95 pants? To feel as though they fit in, to feel accepted. When a child or youth has to wonder around the school yard picking up garbage or helping to sweep the hallways, there is nothing cool about that. In fact, it can be more of a deterrent than sitting at home for several days playing video games. All too often we look to traditional methodology for consequences to correct our children's behavior. It will take some thought and creativity to change that mindset but it can be done. The next time someone suggests suspension or may you consider a suspension, stop and consider other options and alternatives. Your comments on this column are always welcomed and appreciated. This may be copied and reproduced without consent provided proper credit is given and a copy sent to us. james@youthandviolence.com