Addressing inappropriate student behaviour in schools
Learn how schools use progressive discipline and a whole school approach to address student behaviour issues.
Whole school approach
Our approach to making schools safe and accepting involves the whole school community. It focuses on:
- promoting positive student behaviour through a code of conduct for everyone
- building healthy and respectful relationships throughout the whole school community
- preventing inappropriate behaviour through initiatives like bullying prevention programs
- addressing inappropriate behaviour through progressive discipline
Schools are encouraged to build partnerships with community agencies to support prevention and early intervention.
Progressive discipline
Progressive discipline means principals can choose from a range of options to help students:
- improve their behaviour
- learn from their choices
The goal of progressive discipline is to prevent inappropriate student behaviour from happening again. When deciding on the type of discipline, schools consider:
- the student’s age and development
- the nature and severity of the behaviour
- the impact on the school environment
Every school must have a progressive discipline policy. Your school board must communicate their policies and guidelines to:
- students, parents and families
- school staff
- the Special Education Advisory Committee
- school council members and parent involvement committee members
- the Indigenous Education Advisory Council
- other relevant groups in the school community
Examples of progressive discipline
Progressive discipline can include:
- a conversation with the student
- a review of expectations for the student's behaviour
- counselling from a social worker (for example, life skills coaching or anger management)
- an assignment or detention
- suspending or expelling the student from school
Principals choose an option based on individual circumstances and factors, such as the student's:
- age
- stage of social development
- special education needs
- history
- the circumstances of the inappropriate behaviour
Principals will consider ongoing discussions with students and their parents or guardians when choosing an option that will help the student improve their behaviour.
Suspensions and expulsions
In more serious cases, the principal may recommend that the student be expelled or suspended from school.
Students who are suspended for up to 5 school days will get a homework package to continue their learning during their suspension.
Students who are suspended for more than 5 school days will be offered a board program to give them opportunities to keep learning.
Learn what happens if a student it suspended or expelled.
How parents are involved
Schools engage parents in the progressive discipline approach by involving them in conversations about their children's achievement, well-being and behaviour.
When schools and parents are partners, the results can include:
- improved student well-being
- reduced absenteeism
- positive student behaviour
- improved student achievement
- increased confidence among parents in their children's schooling
Support for students
Call Kids Help Phone toll-free
This confidential service is available 24/7.
Bullying
Learn what to watch for, what you can do and where you can go to get help if your child is being bullied. Find out what you can do to help stop bullying.