Open petition: Ban Isolation as a sanction in schools

Created by Theo Clay
Closes on 17 February 2027

The isolation sanction, which is widely used in schools, should be banned and replaced with something more effective and less psychologically distressing for students.

Schools can use isolation (reflection or seclusion) as a punishment, placing 11-16 year olds in silent rooms with side partitions and limited toilet breaks. We are concerned that for some students this could cause severe distress and lasting damage including:

Chronic Anxiety & Panic: Triggering ongoing anxiety disorders and panic attacks in structured settings.
Depression & Apathy: Clinical depression, loss of pleasure, and a feeling that effort is meaningless.

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