Are strict schools good for students

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States reported an increase in student misbehavior since the return to In-person schools. Students may be grappling with the consequences of missed opportunities for social interaction and emotional growth, leading to disruptive classroom and school behavior such as acting out or other forms of disruption. Due to that, some students have enforced stricter rules and regulations to keep students in check, but some feel the county is taking it a few steps too far.

“In my opinion, if teachers were stricter than they are now, one of three things will happen. Either the students adapt or overcome that challenge, the students move to a different school, or students go out of their way to do the opposite out of pettiness.” said Deerfield Beach High School freshman Liam Nelson.

Researchers claim that strict schools can have negative long-term consequences on students. Some say strict discipline can increase their likelihood of dropping out and exposing them to the criminal justice system. For example, a National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) study found that middle school students rezoned to schools with stricter discipline were more likely to be arrested, imprisoned, and dropped out of school as adults. The study also found that the students were less likely to attend college. 

“Schools are strict for a reason; they have the best for the students in mind, and sometimes they go about it the wrong way, but it is always for the best,” said DBHS junior Brianna Barton. “At times, it does feel like they are just being strict to feel in control.”

People all have different opinions about different things. Some people will consider the things like the phone ban as fair, while others think it is strict and unfair. After the bill passed, it was made clear that students would no longer be allowed to pull their phone out during instructional time to get more kids to pay attention. Students and parents saw this as too strict and many didn’t agree with the new bill.

There is a wide range of opinions on what constitutes strictness, with some individuals viewing specific rules or standards as strict while others see them as usual or even lenient. Schools must focus on what is most beneficial for their students rather than emphasizing control over them.

Written by Raedyn Murphy | Graphic Designed by Jennifer Landaverde

Published September 26, 2024 | ePathfinder | Perspectives