Ban Isolation as a sanction in schools
The isolation sanction, which is widely used in schools, should be banned and replaced with something more effective and less psychologically distressing for students.
Signatures
7
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 7/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 7/100,000
- 17 AUG 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Theo Clay
Background
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.