Opinion: Shifting from Punitive Discipline to Preventative Care in NYC Public Schools

""The cascade of behavioral incidents and mental health crises that frequently results in arrests or disciplinary encounters with NYPD is largely a consequence of underinvestment in youth mental and behavioral healthcare." Tens of thousands of New York City children undergo daily metal detector checks and bag searches imposed at school by police personnel. For many students, especially those who already have anxiety surrounding interactions with law enforcement, NYPD presence on campus doesn't foster a sense of safety-it reinforces a feeling of being constantly watched, judged,"

"In addition to social emotional learning programs for elementary schools and restorative justice practices for middle and high schools, school-based health centers are part of a broader continuum of support that helps youth navigate challenges related to their emotional wellbeing and mental health. School-based health centers provide critical early access to mental health care, improving educational attainment and advancing health equity."

"When students act out due to behavioral and emotional health challenges, overburdened teachers and administrators can be quick to resort to punitive measures such as suspensions, expulsions, or even law enforcement involvement, effectively pushing students out of the classroom and into the criminal justice system. According to a 2023 NYC Council report on law enforcement in the city's public schools, the youngest student arrested was only 8 years old and the youngest put in handcuffs was 6."

Underinvestment in youth mental and behavioral healthcare produces a cascade of behavioral incidents and mental health crises resulting in arrests or disciplinary encounters with NYPD. Tens of thousands of New York City children undergo daily metal detector checks and bag searches by police personnel, which for many students, especially those with law enforcement anxiety, reinforces feelings of being watched, judged, and distrusted. School-based health centers, social emotional learning, and restorative justice provide early mental health access and support that improve educational attainment and health equity. Punitive responses like suspensions and arrests disproportionately affect Black students and can push children into the criminal justice system, with arrests reported as young as six.

Read at City Limits