School behaviour management strategies ineffective and may impact mental health

Disciplinary behaviour management strategies are common in UK secondary schools. This includes sanctions such as detention and isolation.

But there wasn’t much evidence on the impact on young people’s mental health and wellbeing, or whether these strategies are effective at changing behaviour.

Our Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) raised school discipline as something we should research. Our initial workshop with young people revealed negative experiences and impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Our Behaviour in Schools Study (BISS) aimed to find out more.