Treated Like Criminals: How the Us School System Punishes Children and Teens

In the United States, the school system often treats children and teens like criminals, subjecting them to harsh punishments that can have lasting negative consequences. These punishments include suspension, expulsion, and even arrest, which can lead to a loss of educational opportunities, increased risk of dropping out, and involvement in the juvenile justice system. Additionally, the school-to-prison pipeline is a well-documented phenomenon in which students are pushed out of schools and into the criminal justice system, often for minor offenses. This system disproportionately impacts students of color, students with disabilities, and students from low-income families.