Question 1

Why was my whole class punished?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes the most hurtful school experiences begin with a child coming home confused, ashamed, or angry—and saying something like, “We all lost computer time because someone was talking.”

When the whole class is punished for the actions of one or a few, it usually means the teacher or staff member is using a behaviour management strategy called collective punishment, though they may never use those words aloud or even realise they’re doing it. Instead, they might describe it as building responsibility, creating group norms, or helping students reflect—when in truth, the effect is punitive, coercive, and deeply unfair.

What are all the names of collective punishment?

Collective punishment doesn’t always go by that name. In schools, this harmful practice is often hidden behind vague, everyday language. Families may not hear the words “collective punishment”—but they feel its effects when an entire group is disciplined for the actions of one or a few.

Learn more

Educators often resort to collective punishment when they feel overwhelmed, unsupported, or unsure how to manage complex classroom dynamics—and while the impulse to “reset expectations” may come from a place of pressure or frustration, the outcome is usually shame, resentment, and harm to classroom trust.

In many cases, collective punishment disproportionately affects students with disabilities, especially those who follow rules quietly, comply outwardly, or already feel afraid of standing out; it teaches children that their learning conditions depend on the behaviour of others, and that their individual needs or conduct may be overlooked entirely.

What if everyone got punished because of something I did?

If something happened in class—like you had a hard moment, spoke out, made a noise, or got overwhelmed—and then the whole group got punished, you might be feeling confused, ashamed, or like everything was your fault. You are not the only one. And you are not the problem. This page is for students who were…

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If your child was part of a group punishment, you can ask the teacher—kindly and firmly—how the situation was addressed, whether individual needs and IEPs were considered, and what supports are in place to ensure your child isn’t harmed by group-level discipline in future. You can also share your concerns in writing if the issue continues, naming the practice as collective punishment and requesting that classroom discipline be handled in ways that respect individual responsibility and inclusive support.

When something feels unjust, it often is—and your intuition deserves to be named, honoured, and acted on.

I used collective punishment: how can I repair trust?

If you&#8217;ve used collective punishment—like taking away recess from an entire class, cancelling an activity because one student was dysregulated, or using peer pressure to enforce compliance—you&#8217;re not alone. These practices are still common in Canadian classrooms. But they cause real and lasting&hellip;

Question 2

What can I do if a teacher cancels a trip for everyone?

Accepted Answer

When a school trip, special event, or celebration is cancelled “because of the class’s behaviour,” many parents feel a quiet fury rise up inside them—a mix of heartbreak, powerlessness, and disbelief that a moment of joy could be withdrawn for so many students at once. Cancelling a planned activity for an entire group, as a…

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Cancelling a planned activity for an entire group, as a consequence for behaviour by one or a few, is a classic form of collective punishment—even when it’s described in softened terms like “the class didn’t earn it,” “we’re pausing the trip until expectations improve,” or “students need to show they’re ready before we go.”

What are all the names of collective punishment?

Collective punishment doesn’t always go by that name. In schools, this harmful practice is often hidden behind vague, everyday language. Families may not hear the words “collective punishment”—but they feel its effects when an entire group is disciplined for the actions of one or a few.

Learn more

This approach can feel devastating for children who struggle socially, mask their distress, or rely on positive experiences to stay engaged with school—especially disabled or neurodivergent students whose participation in group settings already takes enormous internal effort.

If your child’s trip or activity was cancelled this way, you are fully within your rights to ask:

Whether the cancellation was based on an individual incident or a group judgment

Whether IEP accommodations, trauma-informed practices, or disability rights were considered

What steps will be taken to repair harm to students who followed expectations but were still excluded

You can put your concerns in writing to the teacher, principal, or district staff. You can say that collective punishment is harmful, that joy and inclusion are protective, and that your child deserves access to planned educational opportunities—especially when they have done everything asked of them.

A cancelled trip is rarely “just a trip.” It is often a turning point in a child’s belief about school, fairness, and whether anyone is paying attention to their individual experience.

Resources

Tools, strategies, and community-led resources for navigating school advocacy, challenging scarcity, and building inclusive education.

Beyond regressive punishment in BC schools

In British Columbia schools, punishment often arrives dressed as progress—through collective consequences, tiered rewards, withheld privileges, or data-driven discipline plans that disproportionately target disabled, racialised, and dysregulated students.

Question 3

What is collective punishment?

Accepted Answer

Collective punishment occurs when a group is penalised for the actions of one or a few individuals. In schools, this might look like a class losing recess because one student was disruptive, or a sports team’s game being cancelled because a few members broke the rules. Though often justified as a way to promote accountability,…

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What is an example of collective punishment?

Collective punishment is when a group is penalised for the actions of a few, regardless of individual responsibility. This practice&hellip;

Though often justified as a way to promote accountability, collective punishment fails to teach it. It punishes the innocent, damages trust between students and educators, and fosters fear, resentment, and social division. It is not evidence-based. It is harmful.

For neurodivergent students, children with disabilities, and those facing behavioural or mental health challenges, the impacts can be especially severe. These students are often blamed, scapegoated, or further isolated. Rather than supporting self-regulation or inclusion, collective punishment reinforces control through intimidation.

There are better alternatives. Research shows that restorative and individualised approaches lead to stronger outcomes for everyone involved. It’s time we abandoned practices rooted in humiliation and replaced them with those grounded in care, evidence, and fairness.

Collective punishment: a focal point of injustice

Collective punishment, the practice of disciplining a whole group for the misdeeds of one or a few, is widely recognised&hellip;

Question 4

What does that even mean?

Accepted Answer

In the quiet space between a teacher’s sentence and a child’s sinking stomach, there is often a phrase so vague, so familiar, so cleanly polished that most adults barely register it as discipline at all—“We’re just taking a pause on privileges,” or “It’s not a punishment; it’s about helping the group learn.” But children feel it in…

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But children feel it in their bodies. And families feel it in their bones.

They know the difference between community and control. Between natural consequence and quiet retaliation. Between a restorative circle and a public shaming in disguise.

They know, even when the words are soft and smiling, that something has been taken away from everyone because of what one—or a few—have done. And they know that this feeling, this moment of collective guilt, has a name.

It’s called collective punishment.

And it doesn’t always go by that name.

What are all the names of collective punishment?

Collective punishment doesn’t always go by that name. In schools, this harmful practice is often hidden behind vague, everyday language. Families may not hear the words “collective punishment”—but they feel its effects when an entire group is disciplined for the actions of one or a few.

Learn more

The polite language of control

Schools, like many institutions, rely on euphemism to manage emotional and political risk. It’s easier to say “We’re resetting expectations” than to admit, “We’re punishing everyone at once because we’re frustrated.”

It sounds better to frame it as “supporting the group dynamic” than to say, “We’re using social pressure to coerce disclosure or obedience.”

These phrases don’t emerge from cruelty. They emerge from habit, stress, inexperience, or inherited practice. But the effect is still harm—and when language obscures the mechanism of harm, it becomes harder for families to name what happened, harder for students to protest what was done to them, and harder for teachers themselves to see the full emotional and ethical weight of the choice.

Common euphemisms and what they really mean

These are some of the most frequent phrases used to rebrand collective punishment in schools:

🎓 Educational framing

“We’re building community expectations.”→ The class is being held to shared rules, and failure to meet them results in lost opportunities for everyone.

“Helping students reflect together.”→ Everyone stays in from recess while we talk about why someone else misbehaved.

“Creating a respectful environment.”→ Respect is framed as compliance, and collective discipline is used to enforce it.

👥 Group-centred deflection

“We’re working on class-wide accountability.”→ Individuals are no longer the focus; the whole group is responsible, even for things they didn’t do.

“Everyone needs to do their part.”→ Until peer pressure compels the person responsible to confess or conform, no one is rewarded.

“You’re all responsible for the choices in this room.”→ We’re punishing everyone until this atmosphere changes, regardless of individual conduct.

⚖️ Behavioural coercion in disguise

“If this keeps happening, no one gets to…”→ Consequences will be collective, unless the problem disappears—regardless of cause or context.

“We’re pausing privileges until the group is ready.”→ A class trip or fun activity has been cancelled because of behavioural concerns.

❗ Moralised denial

“This isn’t punishment—it’s a learning opportunity.”→ This is absolutely punishment, but we’re insisting it’s virtuous.

“We’re focusing on restoration, not blame.”→ No one is being blamed individually—so everyone is being blamed collectively.

“It’s not personal; it’s about the group.”→ Every child will feel this personally, especially those who did nothing wrong.

Why euphemisms are dangerous

When language masks the reality of harm, it prevents accountability. It erases the child’s experience and substitutes the adult’s comfort. It reframes injustice as pedagogy.

For disabled and neurodivergent children—especially those who mask distress, follow rules closely, or live in constant hypervigilance—this kind of group-based discipline can feel like betrayal wrapped in a smile.

A cancelled field trip becomes a lesson in collective guilt. A missed art class becomes a punishment for surviving in a system that ignores context. A silent lunch becomes a crucible of shame.

And when the words are slippery, families are left wondering if they’re overreacting—if maybe this wasn’t punishment after all.

But the children know. And if you ask them how it felt, they will tell you—if they feel safe enough—that it was unfair, humiliating, or worse: that it made them afraid of school.

To the neurodivergent kid who got blamed

Worried your mistake might get your whole class punished? That fear isn’t yours to carry. Here’s why—and what you can do.

To the kid looking for answers about collective punishment

Hey, If you found your way here, maybe it’s because something happened at school that didn’t sit right. Maybe you searched for “why did my whole class get punished” or “it wasn’t my fault&hellip;

What to say instead

Families can name the truth even when schools don’t. You can say:

“This sounds like collective punishment.”

“We do not support group-level discipline when individual behaviour is involved.”

“Please ensure that my child’s rights, learning access, and emotional wellbeing are not impacted by classroom-level consequences.”

When a teacher or administrator uses euphemism to justify a practice, you are allowed to ask: “What does that actually mean?”

You are allowed to insist on precision. You are allowed to name what your child experienced. You are allowed to push back against harm dressed up as reflection.

Because when the punishment is collective, and the language is vague, it is always the most vulnerable students who carry the weight.

I used collective punishment: how can I repair trust?

If you&#8217;ve used collective punishment—like taking away recess from an entire class, cancelling an activity because one student was dysregulated, or using peer pressure to enforce compliance—you&#8217;re not alone. These practices are still common&hellip;

Question 5

Is isolation or restraint legal in BC schools?

Accepted Answer

Technically, yes—but the law doesn’t clearly regulate it. In British Columbia, physical restraint and seclusion (also called isolation) are not explicitly prohibited by legislation. Instead, school districts are expected to follow the 2015 Provincial Guidelines on Physical Restraint and Seclusion, which limit these interventions to emergency situations where safety is at immediate risk. Restraint refers to physically restricting…

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Restraint refers to physically restricting a student’s movement to prevent harm. Seclusion involves confining a student alone in a space they cannot leave—often a separate room or closed area. The provincial guidelines require districts to define these practices narrowly, report incidents, and prioritize prevention strategies like positive behavioural supports. But because the guidelines are not law, they are inconsistently applied and lack enforcement.

As of 2022, nearly all school districts had adopted some form of policy—but compliance with the guidelines varies widely. Many families report learning about restraint or seclusion only after the fact, through their child’s distress or through complaints—not through formal notification. There is no province-wide requirement for schools to track or publicly report how often these practices are used.

Students with disabilities are disproportionately affected. Research from Inclusion BC and the Family Support Institute shows that neurodivergent children are more likely to be restrained or secluded, often without adequate alternatives being offered first.

Until BC introduces binding legislation, restraint and seclusion remain legal—but unregulated. Parents are encouraged to:

Ask for their district’s specific policy

Request documentation of any incident

File a complaint if restraint or isolation is used without clear justification or follow-up

Restraint and isolation in British Columbia schools

Physical restraint and isolation—sometimes termed “seclusion”—remain legally unregulated in British Columbia schools, even as provincial guidelines seek to limit their use to moments of extreme risk. Physical restraint is defined as any method of restricting a student’s freedom of movement to maintain safety,&hellip;

Question 6

Why is collective punishment ineffective?

Accepted Answer

Collective punishment is not an evidence-based disciplinary strategy. It fails to support the long-term development of student accountability, safety, or prosocial behaviour. Rather than fostering responsibility, it creates a climate of fear, mistrust, and alienation—especially for students already struggling with regulation, belonging, or disability-related needs. Research consistently shows that targeted, restorative responses to individual behaviour are far…

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Research consistently shows that targeted, restorative responses to individual behaviour are far more effective at improving outcomes for both the individual and the broader group. Restorative practices that focus on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships result in stronger social cohesion and reduced behavioural incidents over time (International Institute for Restorative Practices). When educators engage directly with the student who has caused harm—through guided reflection, restitution, and dialogue—they model emotional intelligence, fairness, and accountability. In contrast, when an entire class or team is penalised for the actions of one or a few, students are denied both clarity and closure. They learn that power may be exercised arbitrarily, and that guilt is collective rather than specific.

What is an example of collective punishment?

Collective punishment is when a group is penalised for the actions of a few, regardless of individual responsibility.&hellip;

This approach disproportionately affects neurodivergent students, whose behaviours may reflect unmet support needs rather than malice or defiance. Autistic and ADHD students, for example, often communicate distress through behaviour. When that distress is met with group punishment, it isolates them further and reinforces the belief that their presence is a liability. In this way, collective punishment contributes to school-based trauma, stigma, and internalised ableism.

Moreover, collective punishment corrodes the student-teacher relationship. Trust is foundational to any learning environment. When students feel that educators are unjust or indifferent to individual circumstances, their willingness to engage, reflect, and improve diminishes. Some become withdrawn. Others grow oppositional. Few learn the lessons intended.

Also, many children—especially neurodivergent or otherwise vulnerable students—rely fundamentally on a sense of relational safety in order to participate meaningfully in classroom life. For students with histories of trauma, anxiety, learning differences, or disabilities, trust in a specific educator may be the only anchor that enables sustained engagement. When that trust is compromised through perceived unfairness or unpredictability, it can trigger withdrawal, dysregulation, or shutdown. In this way, collective punishment does more than fail to teach; it actively severs the emotional connection that makes learning possible for the most sensitive and marginalised students.

What evidence is there that collective punishment is harmful?

Here is a brief selection from the overwhelming body of research confirming what many of us know intuitively:&hellip;

Finally, collective punishment can create division within student groups. Instead of cultivating empathy or responsibility, it often provokes blame, scapegoating, and social exclusion of the student(s) perceived to be the cause of the group’s suffering. This corrodes peer relationships and undermines inclusion.

True accountability is personal, relational, and developmentally informed. It requires time, guidance, and emotional safety—not shame by association.

Related News

Nova Scotia bans collective punishment

Nova Scotia&#8217;s Provincial School Code of Conduct Policy underwent a significant update in April 2025, marking a substantial revision of the previous 2015 policy. The updated policy, set to take effect in September 2025, introduces clearer definitions of unacceptable behaviours, delineates new responsibilities for all school community members, and emphasises support for those affected by&hellip;

Why i started this campaign

As a solution architect and parent of disabled children, I’ve seen the public education system from both sides. What I’ve found is not a system in crisis—it’s a system functioning exactly as designed: rewarding compliance, punishing difference, and quietly discarding those who don’t fit. This post explores how exclusionary practices like collective punishment persist in&hellip;

More news

Question 15

What is Section 43 of the Canadian Criminal Code?

Accepted Answer

Section 43 permits parents, guardians, and teachers to use “reasonable force by way of correction” toward a child under their care. Though often framed as a safeguard for minor disciplinary acts, it creates legal ambiguity that shields adult authority even when harm is done. While intended to limit excessive punishment, its language is open-ended—leaving children vulnerable to subjective definitions of what is “reasonable.”

In a 2004 ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada imposed some limits: corporal punishment cannot be degrading or involve implements, and it may not be used on children under two or over twelve. Teachers, they ruled, cannot use force to punish, but may still restrain or remove students. Yet this guidance was never codified into new legislation. Section 43 remains active in the Criminal Code, unchanged and still invoked to justify force in both home and school settings.

Its continued existence undermines children’s rights to physical and psychological safety. It disproportionately affects disabled, racialised, and Indigenous children, whose behaviour is more often pathologised or punished. In Alberta and Manitoba, corporal punishment has not even been formally outlawed at the provincial level, and private schools across Canada often operate under less scrutiny.

Section 43 matters because it gives institutional cover to a wide spectrum of disciplinary practices that prioritize control over care. Even when no physical contact occurs, the presence of this law sustains an educational culture that normalises domination, silence, and punishment—laying the groundwork for practices like collective punishment to flourish unchecked.

How is collective punishment connected to Section 43?

Section 43 enables collective punishment by authorising adult control over children without accountability. Repeal is needed to uphold children&#8217;s rights.

Legal disclaimerThis site is created by parents and advocates, not lawyers. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only. It reflects our interpretations of public policy, legislation, and lived experience. It should not be taken as legal advice. If you need legal guidance regarding your specific situation, we recommend consulting a qualified lawyer or legal clinic in your jurisdiction.

Question 16

How is collective punishment connected to Section 43?

Accepted Answer

Section 43 enables a culture in which punishment is not rooted in individual accountability, but in the preservation of adult control. It constructs a legal foundation for punitive discipline by permitting “reasonable force,” a concept that lacks both clarity and enforceable limits. While collective punishment is not a form of physical force per se, it thrives in systems where power is exercised arbitrarily. Section 43

The logic is parallel: children are not treated as subjects with rights, but as objects of correction. Section 43 grants adults wide discretion to determine when and how discipline should be applied, just as collective punishment allows educators to issue blanket consequences without investigation or nuance. Caroline Locher’s analysis

Furthermore, collective punishment is often accompanied by emotional or psychological coercion—public shaming, threats of escalation, forced apologies, and social isolation. According to UNICEF, such acts fall under the broader definition of corporal punishment: “any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light,” including acts that “belittle, humiliate, denigrate, scapegoat, threaten, scare or ridicule the child.” Collective punishment enacts these harms at scale. UNICEF&#8217;s An Everyday Lesson: END violence in Schools

To repeal Section 43 would be to begin dismantling the ideological infrastructure that permits group-based discipline to masquerade as educational strategy. It would affirm that children are entitled to justice, not just obedience. the TRC Calls to Action

What is Section 43 of the Canadian Criminal Code?

Section 43 permits “reasonable force” on children. It remains law in Canada and continues to justify harmful disciplinary practices in schools.

Legal disclaimerThis site is created by parents and advocates, not lawyers. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only. It reflects our interpretations of public policy, legislation, and lived experience. It should not be taken as legal advice. If you need legal guidance regarding your specific situation, we recommend consulting a qualified lawyer or legal clinic in your jurisdiction.

Question 17

What is moral injury?

Accepted Answer

Moral injury refers to the deep psychological and spiritual distress that occurs when a person acts—or is forced to act—in ways that violate their core moral beliefs. It can also occur when someone witnesses harm that they are unable to prevent, stop, or repair. First studied in military contexts, moral injury is now recognised in professions like healthcare, social work, policing, and education—where institutional constraints can force individuals to participate in, or remain complicit with, actions that feel ethically wrong.

How is moral injury different from burnout?

Burnout is often described as a state of emotional exhaustion, overload, and reduced capacity to cope. It’s largely about energy depletion. Moral injury, by contrast, is about ethical rupture. It is not just being tired; it’s the pain of having acted (or failed to act) in a way that violates one’s values—and the shame, grief, or alienation that follows.

What does moral injury look like in schools?

In education, moral injury often arises when teachers are forced to choose between what they believe is right for children and what the system demands. It can look like:

Enforcing rules that harm disabled or trauma-affected students

Participating in collective punishment despite knowing it is unjust

Remaining silent about peer or institutional harm out of fear of retaliation

Being unable to provide support to a distressed student due to lack of staff or time

Who experiences moral injury in schools?

While educators are the most visible group impacted, parents and students also experience moral injury—especially when they are forced to accept harm, compromise their values, or participate in systems that violate their sense of justice. Parents may feel torn between advocacy and diplomacy. Students may internalise the belief that speaking up is dangerous or futile.

What helps heal moral injury?

Moral injury cannot be healed by surface-level wellness initiatives. It requires:

Acknowledgement of the harm

Opportunities for aligned action that restore integrity

Collective spaces for processing, reflection, and repair

Structural changes that reduce ethical conflict (e.g., banning collective punishment, reducing class size, providing trauma-informed supports)

Why does moral injury matter in school reform?

Moral injury matters because it quietly erodes trust, integrity, and relationships within school communities. Teachers leave the profession not just from stress, but from a deep sense of betrayal. Children lose trust in adults. Families disengage. Naming moral injury allows us to confront the ethical costs of schooling—and to imagine systems where no one has to violate their conscience just to get through the day.

On moral injury and collective punishment

I did not want to file a complaint. I still don’t—not in the sense that people imagine, with anger or vengeance or a desire for punishment. What I wanted, what I asked for again and again with patience and clarity and increasing despair,&hellip;

Question 18

What is the difference between corporal and collective punishment?

Accepted Answer

Corporal punishment and collective punishment are both forms of institutional discipline, but they differ in method, visibility, and how they distribute harm. While corporal punishment is now banned in Canadian schools, collective punishment remains common—despite its ethical and legal concerns. Corporal punishment: direct and physical Corporal punishment involves the use of physical force intended to cause pain as a…

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Corporal punishment: direct and physical

Corporal punishment involves the use of physical force intended to cause pain as a form of discipline—for example, striking a student with a strap or ruler. It is highly visible, explicitly violent, and directed at an individual. In Canada, corporal punishment is now prohibited in schools.

Targets a single student

Involves physical pain

Leaves visible marks or trauma

Was often justified as swift deterrence

Widely recognised today as a violation of children’s rights

Collective punishment: indirect and emotional

Collective punishment is the practice of punishing a whole group for the actions of one or a few individuals. In classrooms, it often looks like cancelling a field trip, taking away recess, or delaying a lesson until &#8220;everyone is ready.”

Punishes an entire group

Inflicts emotional and social harm

Targets behaviour through peer pressure

Often disguised as &#8220;logical consequences&#8221;

Disproportionately harms disabled or vulnerable students

What do they have in common?

While the methods differ, both forms of punishment share a similar logic: they aim to restore order through coercion rather than understanding. Both rely on:

Public demonstration of authority

Disproportionate impact on marginalised students

Silence and compliance as primary goals

Emotional distress as a mechanism of control

Why does this distinction matter?

Many schools proudly claim they no longer use corporal punishment—yet continue to rely on group discipline that shames and isolates children. Naming collective punishment as harmful helps us:

Recognise emotional harm as real harm

Understand the systemic nature of exclusion

Push for policies rooted in care, not compliance

Centre the dignity of every student

What should schools do instead?

End all forms of group punishment

Use relational discipline that addresses individual needs

Support teachers with staffing and time to respond restoratively

Teach accountability without relying on shame

Ending corporal punishment was a step forward. Ending collective punishment is the next one.

What replaced the strap in Canadian schools?

They took the strap away—or at least, they removed the physical instrument, the leather loop of institutional discipline that had once been the sanctioned mechanism of control in classrooms across the country. Even if we never felt it on our own skin, we&hellip;

Question 19

What did the Truth and Reconciliation Commission say about punishment?

Accepted Answer

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was unequivocal. In its final report, it described corporal punishment as “a relic of a discredited past that has no place in Canadian schools or homes.” The Commission tied the practice to the historical violence of residential schools, where physical discipline was used not just to control but to…

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Among its Calls to Action, the TRC specifically demanded that Canada repeal Section 43. It recognised that legal permission for corporal punishment perpetuates intergenerational trauma and undermines the rights of Indigenous children. Yet, as of today, Section 43 remains in place.

The continued existence of this law stands in direct contradiction to the spirit and content of the TRC’s recommendations. It signals that reconciliation is rhetorical, not structural. It allows the systems that facilitated residential school abuse to persist under new names and updated policies.

The TRC&#8217;s moral authority derives not only from history, but from its clarity: children have the right to be protected from violence—physical or psychological—in every space, including schools. Ignoring that call is not neutrality. It is complicity.

Source: &#8220;Are We &#8216;There&#8217; Yet? A Comparative Analysis of the Canadian Standards on the Corporal Punishment of Children in Schools,&#8221; by Caroline Locher, Athens Journal of Education, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2018

Invitation to collaborate
We recognise that this site does not currently have an Indigenous content writer or knowledge holder contributing to this section. If you are an Indigenous educator, scholar, or caregiver and would like to collaborate, contribute, or advise on this work, we welcome your guidance. For more information, see Help please: call for Indigenous perspectives on collective punishment in BC schools.

Legal disclaimerThis site is created by parents and advocates, not lawyers. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only. It reflects our interpretations of public policy, legislation, and lived experience. It should not be taken as legal advice. If you need legal guidance regarding your specific situation, we recommend consulting a qualified lawyer or legal clinic in your jurisdiction.

Question 20

I used collective punishment: how can I repair trust?

Accepted Answer

If you&#8217;ve used collective punishment—like taking away recess from an entire class, cancelling an activity because one student was dysregulated, or using peer pressure to enforce compliance—you&#8217;re not alone. These practices are still common in Canadian classrooms.

But they cause real and lasting harm, especially to neurodivergent students and children with trauma histories. Collective punishment erodes trust, reinforces shame, and damages relationships between students and educators. It can also trigger distress and alienation in children who already feel unsafe or misunderstood.What evidence is there that collective punishment is harmful?

Moral Injury

You might feel a knot in your stomach. A mix of unease, defensiveness, maybe even shame. You may feel the sting of moral injury: the deep discomfort that comes when your actions don&#8217;t align with your values.

That tension matters. It&#8217;s not something to ignore or explain away. It&#8217;s evidence that you care. That you entered this work to build children up—not tear them down.

Naming that dissonance is not failure. It&#8217;s the beginning of repair.

The acknowledgement

The good news is that repair is possible.

You&#8217;re not a bad teacher. You&#8217;re not alone. But what happens next matters.

Repair is how we teach accountability—not just to children, but to ourselves. When we model emotional intelligence, we help children learn how to navigate harm without shame.

Every time an adult owns their mistake, a child learns that dignity and accountability can live in the same breath.A Parent

Breathe and reflect

When we model humility and repair, we don’t just restore trust—we teach children that care includes accountability, that self-respect begins with reflection, and that real strength is knowing when we’ve caused harm and choosing to make it right.

A Parent

First, breathe

✔ Notice your instinct to defend yourself✔ Get curious instead of self-critical✔ Say to yourself: &#8220;This child&#8217;s dignity matters more than my comfort&#8221;✔ Decide you will repair—even if no one asks you to

Before you attempt to apologise or repair, pause. If you&#8217;re still focused on your own guilt, your fear of judgment, or your need to feel better, it&#8217;s not the right time. Repair requires perspective-taking. It demands that you set aside your feelings long enough to imagine how the experience felt to the child—especially if they are disabled, dysregulated, or already carrying the weight of exclusion. Until you&#8217;re ready to centre their perspective instead of your own discomfort, wait. Begin by reading A perspective-taking primer for educators, and give yourself the time to process before you speak. Accountability without empathy risks doing harm twice.

The repair framework

What repair can look like

1. Acknowledge clearly, without qualifiers&#8220;I realise what I said wasn&#8217;t fair. I treated the whole class as if they were responsible for one person&#8217;s actions. That was wrong.&#8221;

2. Name the impact, not just the intent&#8220;I know that made some of you feel ashamed, singled out, or scared to speak up. That&#8217;s not okay.&#8221;

3. Offer a concrete change&#8220;Here&#8217;s what I&#8217;m going to do differently next time…&#8221;(e.g. &#8220;I&#8217;ll talk to individuals one-on-one. I&#8217;ll ask more questions before responding.&#8221;)

4. Make space for dialogue or silenceNot everyone is ready to speak. But offer the option.&#8220;If you want to tell me how that felt, I&#8217;ll listen. You don&#8217;t have to.&#8221;

5. Follow through and document the learningThis can be private. But reflection matters.&#8220;I&#8217;m writing down what I learned. I&#8217;m sharing it with a colleague I trust to stay accountable.&#8221;

What repair is—and what it isn&#8217;t

It&#8217;s not grovelling.

It&#8217;s not asking a child to absolve you.

It&#8217;s a commitment to stop making the same harm.

It&#8217;s teaching by example.

It&#8217;s how community survives rupture.

A note: It&#8217;s important to understand that a genuine apology is not a request. It is not a strategy to regain trust. It is not a shortcut to absolution. If you&#8217;ve used collective punishment and want to make amends, your apology must be offered without expecting praise, forgiveness, or closure in return.

The person harmed—especially a child—does not owe you their reassurance, their comfort, or their emotional labour. They are not responsible for your guilt. Your role is to take responsibility, name the impact, and commit to change. That is the work.

If your apology hinges on being seen as &#8220;one of the good ones,&#8221; it isn&#8217;t repair. It&#8217;s reputation management.

True accountability means offering the gift of repair freely—and letting the person harmed decide what they need.

For more resources, visit endcollectivepunishmentinschools.site.

Reflections

Have you led a circle to acknowledge impact? Facilitated one-on-one restorative conversations? Co-designed classroom agreements with students? Share the strategies that helped you rebuild trust and honour dignity. Your insights can illuminate paths we have yet to chart.

Sources

The dark side of rewards and punishments in the classroom, part ii: Chartered college research highlights how punitive strategies undermine intrinsic motivation by thwarting autonomy, relatedness, and competence, in line with self-determination theory my.chartered.college.

Measuring the efficacy of collective sanctions experimentally: This research reveals that collective sanctions, rather than deterring misconduct, amplify in-group cohesion and trigger a &#8220;black sheep&#8221; effect, deepening social divides rather than solving behavioural issues pmc.ncbi.nlm

The restorative practice framework in school communities: The international institute for restorative practices establishes a phased model—acknowledge harm, name impact, offer repair, invite dialogue, and commit to change—that provides a rigorous structure for educators seeking to restore relationships iirp.edu.

Building a positive school climate through restorative practices: A brief from the learning policy institute synthesises evidence showing that restorative approaches reduce exclusionary discipline, improve student-staff relationships, and foster collective responsibility. learningpolicyinstitute.org.

6 restorative justice practices to implement in your classroom: This university of san diego guide presents six actionable strategies—ranging from informal affective questions to formal restorative circles—that minimise punitive measures while promoting accountability and empathy pce.sandiego.edu.

School suspensions do more harm than good: The NEA&#8217;s investigation finds that exclusionary suspensions correlate with poorer attendance, lower academic outcomes, and increased behavioural issues, bolstering the case for restorative alternatives nea.org.

What is restorative justice in schools? We are teachers offers a succinct overview of restorative justice principles—empathy, respect, accountability—and illustrates how repair-centred practices transform school discipline weareteachers.com.

Inclusive approach to restorative practice for students with diverse needs: This eu forum restorative justice brief introduces the re-pair framework—right approach, establish needs, prepare participation, invite engagement, reflect, and review—that ensures restorative practices honour neurodiversity and accessibility euforumrj.org.

We welcome your ideas

If you have ideas about how to repair harm, we&#8217;d love to hear from you.

Question 21

What if I got punished for something I didn’t do?

Accepted Answer

If you&#8217;ve been punished, blamed, or left out at school because of something another student did, you&#8217;re not alone. This page is for kids and teens who didn’t cause the problem—but got caught up in the consequences anyway. That’s called collective punishment, and it’s not fair.

1. What is collective punishment?

Collective punishment is when a whole group gets in trouble because of one person. It might look like:

Losing recess because of someone else&#8217;s behaviour

Having a field trip cancelled for something one or two people did

Being told you can&#8217;t move on until the whole class is &#8220;ready&#8221;

Being made to stay silent or redo work because of another student

Even if adults say it’s a “natural consequence” or “for the good of the group,” it can still feel unfair—and it can hurt.

2. How do I know if what happened was wrong?

Sometimes it just hits you—that flash of anger or confusion when you’ve been doing everything right, working hard, following instructions, trying your best to be kind and respectful—and suddenly, out of nowhere, you lose something you were looking forward to. A privilege. A celebration. A break you earned.

And you think, Wait, what? I didn’t even do anything. That feeling—of being swept up in someone else’s mistake, of being treated like part of a problem you didn’t cause—is real. It’s a kind of injustice that can make your chest feel tight, or your stomach flip, or your voice disappear.

If you felt confused, blamed, ashamed, embarrassed—or just plain indignant—especially when you hadn’t done anything wrong, those feelings matter.

Did you feel punished for trying your best?

Did the consequence ignore your actual behaviour?

Did adults expect you to stay quiet about it?

You don’t need to have the perfect words. You just need to know what you felt. Because what you felt was real.

3. What can I do about it?

You can write down what happened:

What was the punishment?

What had you done or not done?

How did it make you feel?

Who was there?

You can talk to a trusted adult—at home, at school, or outside of school. Tell them what happened and how it felt. You deserve to be heard.

4. What if no one listens?

Sometimes, adults don’t understand. They might say it’s not a big deal. But your experience matters. If the first person doesn’t help, try another. You can:

Talk to a parent, caregiver, or older sibling

Tell a teacher you trust

Talk to a school counsellor or youth worker

Use a letter or script (we can help with this!)

You deserve support that takes your voice seriously.

5. Why does this happen so often?

Sometimes schools are under pressure to keep control, and they think group punishment is the fastest way to manage a situation. But fast doesn’t mean fair. And just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s okay. Most of the time, this happens because there aren’t enough adults, or because teachers are overwhelmed—not because you did anything wrong.

This page is for kids who were punished even though they didn’t do the thing. If you’re someone who was involved and now feels confused, ashamed, or like everyone’s mad at you, we’re working on another page just for you—because understanding and repair matter just as much as fairness.?

Sometimes schools are under pressure to keep control, and they think group punishment is the fastest way. But fast doesn’t mean fair. And being quick doesn’t make it okay. Most of the time, this happens because there aren’t enough adults, or because teachers are overwhelmed—not because you did anything wrong.

This page is for the kids who were punished even though they didn’t do the thing. Here&#8217;s a page for neurodivergent kids who precipitated a collective punishment.

6. What helps?

Talking to someone who believes you

Writing or drawing about what happened

Asking an adult to speak up with you

Remembering: it was not your fault

You can also learn more about your rights—and how to make change. Some kids have even started projects to stop these practices in their schools.

7. You are not the problem

Being punished for something you didn’t do doesn’t teach fairness—it teaches fear. It can make you feel invisible or blamed, but you are not the problem. Your feelings are real, and your voice matters.

It’s also okay to feel conflicted about the kid who caused the disruption—especially if they’re often struggling or unsupported. Sometimes the same kids who act out are hurting too.

You can feel upset and still care. You can want things to be fair without wanting anyone to be shamed. You can hope for better—for yourself, for your classmates, and for the adults, too.

And if you were the one involved, and now you feel overwhelmed or ashamed, there’s help for you as well. Everyone deserves a chance to repair, be heard, and feel safe.

To the neurodivergent kid who got blamed

Worried your mistake might get your whole class punished? That fear isn’t yours to carry. Here’s why—and what you can do.

Question 22

What causes collective punishment in schools?

Accepted Answer

Collective punishment continues to occur in schools despite being widely recognised as unfair and ineffective. Its persistence is rooted in a combination of legal ambiguity, institutional norms, and structural pressures.

Ambiguity in the School Act

In British Columbia, the School Act requires that student discipline reflect the judgment of a “kind, firm, and judicious parent.” While this standard encourages fairness, it is highly subjective and open to interpretation. The Act does not explicitly ban collective punishment. As a result, practices that affect whole groups of students—regardless of individual behaviour—can be justified under the language of order, consistency, or shared responsibility.

Professional autonomy and inconsistent enforcement

Teachers and administrators are afforded substantial professional autonomy in how they manage behaviour. This flexibility is essential for adapting to diverse learning environments, but without clear restrictions or accountability mechanisms, it also leads to wide variation in disciplinary practices. In the absence of explicit policies against collective punishment, some educators continue to use it as a behavioural tool—despite its ethical and pedagogical shortcomings.

Systemic constraints and institutional pressures

Schools are often under significant strain. Overcrowded classrooms, understaffed support teams, and increasing complexity in student needs create environments where reactive strategies thrive. Collective punishment can appear efficient: one swift consequence applied broadly, saving time and reasserting authority. But this expediency comes at a cost—undermining student dignity, trust, and psychological safety.

To meaningfully address collective punishment, systemic clarity is required. This includes legislative reform, clear district policy, and a shift in cultural norms toward restorative, inclusive, and individualised responses to student behaviour.

Question 23

What if everyone got punished because of something I did?

Accepted Answer

If something happened in class—like you had a hard moment, spoke out, made a noise, or got overwhelmed—and then the whole group got punished, you might be feeling confused, ashamed, or like everything was your fault. You are not the only one. And you are not the problem. This page is for students who were…

Learn more

You are not the only one. And you are not the problem.

This page is for students who were blamed, especially if you’re neurodivergent, disabled, or often misunderstood. It links to a blog post written just for you: To the neurodivergent kid who got blamed.

What is collective punishment?

Collective punishment is when the whole class or group loses something—like recess, a field trip, or free time—because of what one person did. Sometimes the teacher doesn’t say your name. But everyone looks at you. And you know. And it hurts.

This kind of punishment is unfair, and it’s especially harmful to students who are already struggling or trying their best to self-regulate.

What does it feel like?

You might feel:

Blamed, even if no one said it directly

Watched or stared at

Ashamed, even though you were just having a hard time

Like it’s not safe to be yourself in class

These feelings are real. And they make sense. What happened to you wasn’t fair—and you didn’t deserve to be made the reason everyone else lost something.

What can I do now?

Tell someone you trust. It could be a parent, caregiver, EA, counsellor, or support worker. You can say, “I got blamed and everyone was punished, and I don’t think that was fair.”

Write it down. What happened before the punishment? What were you feeling? What did the teacher say? How did it feel in your body?

Ask for support. A grown-up can help you talk to the school. You can ask for help understanding your disability—and for a plan that supports you instead of punishing the group.

Is this about being in trouble?

No. Having needs or getting overwhelmed isn’t a behaviour problem—it’s a signal. It means something is hard, not that you’re doing something wrong. Everyone needs support sometimes. That doesn’t make you bad. That makes you human.

What if I want to fix it?

That’s brave. And it’s possible. Repair doesn’t mean saying sorry for existing—it means finding ways to help people understand what was going on for you, and asking the school to respond with care instead of shame.

You can:

Talk to your class or ask someone to help you share what you want them to know

Ask for a meeting where people listen, not blame

Help change the way your school responds to kids who need support

You are allowed to take up space

You don’t have to be smaller to be accepted. You don’t have to be silent to deserve care. You are not the reason other kids are suffering—the system that punishes instead of supporting is.

You are allowed to speak. You are allowed to ask for justice. And you are allowed to exist exactly as you are.

To the neurodivergent kid who got blamed

Worried your mistake might get your whole class punished? That fear isn’t yours to carry. Here’s why—and what you can do.

Question 24

Is collective punishment legal in BC schools?

Accepted Answer

Collective punishment is still used in schools across British Columbia, despite growing recognition that it causes harm—especially to disabled children.

Collective punishment refers to the practice of penalising a group for the actions of an individual or subset—such as cancelling recess for an entire class because one student was disruptive. Though often framed as a tool for fostering accountability, this practice is not supported by evidence, and in many cases, it contradicts the values and obligations set out in inclusive education frameworks.

Legal status in British Columbia

In British Columbia, there is no explicit law that bans collective punishment in schools. However, its use is not without legal risk. Public school boards are subject to provincial legislation, ministry policy, human rights law, and common-law obligations regarding student safety and non-discrimination.

The Ministry of Education and Child Care mandates that school boards uphold inclusive education for students with disabilities and diverse abilities. Under Ministerial Order M150/89, updated as of July 2024, boards are required to consult with parents about the educational placement of students with disabilities, and must ensure access to a non-discriminatory learning environment. While this order does not directly reference collective punishment, applying a consequence to all students because of the behaviour or support needs of one implicitly undermines those protections.

Additionally, the BC Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in services customarily available to the public, including education. When collective punishment disproportionately affects disabled or racialised students—who may express distress through behaviour—it may constitute indirect discrimination. In such cases, legal accountability is not only possible but necessary.

Nova Scotia bans collective punishment

Nova Scotia&#8217;s Provincial School Code of Conduct Policy underwent a significant update in April 2025, marking a substantial revision of the previous 2015 policy. The updated policy, set to take effect in September 2025, introduces clearer definitions of unacceptable behaviours, delineates new responsibilities&hellip;

Why collective punishment is harmful

Educational research and trauma-informed practice both condemn collective punishment as ineffective and psychologically damaging. Rather than fostering accountability, it:

Incentivises peer policing instead of collaborative problem-solving

Isolates vulnerable students, especially those whose disabilities are misunderstood as misbehaviour

Erodes trust between students and educators

Normalises group conformity at the expense of individual support and equity

For autistic, ADHD, and otherwise disabled students, who may struggle with transitions, sensory processing, or social cues, this type of punishment reinforces ableism. It teaches peers to resent and exclude them rather than understand and support their needs. The result is often cumulative trauma, withdrawal from learning, and reduced attendance—all of which exacerbate inequities.

Collective punishment: unjust in schools, unjust everywhere

Collective punishment—punishing a group for the actions of an individual—is widely recognised as a violation of human rights. It is condemned in international law, yet it persists in various forms worldwide. From China’s persecution of human rights defenders&#8217; families to Israel’s blockade of&hellip;

The gap between policy and practice

Despite clear harms, collective punishment persists in many classrooms, often under the guise of classroom management or “natural consequences.” This disconnect reflects broader systemic issues: underfunding, staff shortages, lack of training in inclusive pedagogy, and a culture of compliance that prioritises control over care.

Families who challenge these practices are often met with vague justifications about fairness or autonomy. Yet the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Canada has ratified, affirms that all children have the right to accessible, inclusive, and supportive education environments free from discrimination. Collective punishment, by its nature, violates these principles.

What policy says about collective punishment in schools

Collective punishment is never explicitly mentioned in the School Act or BC education policies, but it is made very clear that the system is meant to be fair, accountable, and respectful. The School act states the discipline in schools must be “similar to&hellip;

What parents and students can do

If your child has experienced collective punishment—especially as a result of disability-related behaviour or unmet support needs—you are not powerless. Here are some steps to consider:

Document the incident, including dates, staff involved, and impacts on your child.

Request a meeting with the teacher or principal to discuss inclusive alternatives.

Refer to Ministry policy and human rights law, framing your concern as an accessibility and equity issue.

File a formal complaint with the school district if the issue persists.

Seek legal advice or advocacy support, particularly if your child is disabled and harm is ongoing.

Families may also consider submitting complaints to the BC Human Rights Tribunal or Office of the Ombudsperson, particularly if there is evidence of systemic discrimination or failure to accommodate.

How to lodge an education appeal in British Columbia

Filing an appeal in the Vancouver School District is not for the faint of heart. It&#8217;s like falling on glass slowly. Emotionally draining by design. But for some families, it is the only path left. I’ve filed several myself. Sometimes, my child got&hellip;

Toward a more just school system

The continued use of collective punishment in schools is not a reflection of necessity, but of institutional inertia. We do not need to punish children in groups to maintain order. We need resourced schools, trauma-informed staff, and a commitment to inclusion that is not performative but principled.

Legal ambiguity should not be used to justify pedagogical violence. The absence of a specific ban does not mean it is lawful—especially when it results in the exclusion or degradation of disabled learners. It is time to treat collective punishment not as a disciplinary tactic, but as a human rights failure.

Question 25

What is an example of collective punishment?

Accepted Answer

Collective punishment is when a group is penalised for the actions of a few, regardless of individual responsibility. This practice is often framed as a form of discipline, yet it fails both ethically and pedagogically. It is rooted in control, not justice. Consider this example: If students cannot follow school conduct rules, they should not…

Learn more

Consider this example:

Three members of a school volleyball team enter the gym during lunch without permission to play there.

Rather than addressing these three students individually, the school cancels the next volleyball game for the entire team.

The justification offered from the school is: if students cannot follow school conduct rules, they should not be allowed to represent the school elsewhere.

If students cannot follow school conduct rules, they should not be allowed to represent the school elsewhere.

On the surface, this may appear to reinforce accountability. But in practice, it erases individual context and punishes innocent students for behaviours they neither enacted nor condoned. It treats a team not as a collective of distinct individuals, but as a single undifferentiated body—one that can be penalised en masse for infractions beyond their control.

This approach is particularly harmful to neurodivergent students—those with ADHD, autism, or other disabilities that affect executive functioning:

Impulse control, situational awareness, and the ability to assess risk in real time are not evenly distributed skills; they are shaped by both neurological makeup and environmental support.

A student may understand a rule but be unable to pause a compelling urge or quickly evaluate the consequences of a split-second decision.

These are not moral failings. They are unmet support needs.

When the consequences for such lapses extend to everyone around them, the stakes of any mistake become unbearably high. Instead of receiving guidance and regulation in the moment—a quiet redirection, a restorative conversation—they are thrust into a dynamic where their existence on a team becomes conditional, precarious, and framed as a liability. Their team mates whisper and ask why they broke the rules. Humiliation burns on their cheeks.

Collective punishment isolates these students further. It teaches their peers that proximity to a disabled or impulsive teammate puts them at risk. It fosters resentment, scapegoating, and surveillance. For the neurodivergent student, it amplifies shame and fear, undermining their sense of belonging and reinforcing the notion that they are always one misstep away from being the reason things fall apart.

It teaches their peers that proximity to a disabled or impulsive teammate puts them at risk.

Discipline must be discerning to be just. It must recognise that accountability is not forged through humiliation or exclusion, but through relationship, support, and repair. Collective punishment accomplishes none of these. It is the theatre of control, dressed in the language of values, and it leaves the most vulnerable students increasingly exposed.

I never wanted to go back to school

Jean had been excluded and unsupported for years, forsaken by the district that was meant to protect her, and her daily crisis of insufficient support left her unwilling even to enter the classroom. When educators resorted to collective punishment—silencing her entire class for&hellip;

Question 26

What evidence is there that collective punishment is harmful?

Accepted Answer

Here is a brief selection from the overwhelming body of research confirming what many of us know intuitively: collective punishment is a harmful, outdated practice with no place in schools—or in any environment that claims to honour human dignity. Its use is so fundamentally unjust that it is considered a violation of international humanitarian law…

Learn more

Prevalence of experiencing public humiliation and its effects on mental healthThis systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the significant psychological impact of public humiliation, including increased emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. SAGE Journals, 7 May 2024

How children evaluate collective and targeted punishmentResearch indicates that while younger children may perceive collective punishment as fair, older children view targeted punishment as more just, preferring teachers who administer discipline individually. University of Virginia Undergraduate Research, 2024

Group punishment doesn&#8217;t fix behaviour—it just makes kids hate school A discussion highlighting personal experiences where collective punishment led to resentment among students, fostering a negative school environment. The Conversation, 11 July 2019

Collective punishment: fair or farce?An exploration of the implications of collective punishment in schools, questioning its fairness and effectiveness in managing student behaviour. The Educator Online, 11 July 2019

Shaming school children: A violation of fundamental rights?This paper examines the practice of shaming in schools, arguing that it may infringe upon children&#8217;s fundamental rights and hinder their development. SAGE Journals, 5 January 2019

Controversial school discipline: collective and corporal punishmentAn overview of research indicating that both collective and corporal punishment can lead to adverse mental health outcomes and behavioural issues in students. Learning Liftoff, 5 June 2018

The psychological effects of shaming childrenAn article discussing the long-term psychological harm caused by shaming children, including impacts on self-worth and social relationships. Psychology Today, 21 June 2015

Shaming school children: A violation of fundamental rights? A study questioning whether the practice of shaming in educational settings violates children&#8217;s rights and the potential legal implications. ResearchGate, 2019

The dark side of rewards and punishments in the classroom, Part IIAn examination of how traditional reward and punishment systems may undermine intrinsic motivation and fail to promote long-term behavioural change. My College, 2018

Collective punishment: a focal point of injustice

Collective punishment, the practice of disciplining a whole group for the misdeeds of one or a few, is widely recognised&hellip;

The history of collective punishment

Collective punishment emerged in a time when people were not understood as individuals, but as extensions of the family, the&hellip;

Question 27

What can you do to help end collective punishment in BC schools?

Accepted Answer

Ending collective punishment requires public pressure, institutional scrutiny, and a growing culture of refusal. You don’t need to be a lawyer or policymaker to act. If you are a student, parent, educator, or ally, your voice matters—and your resistance matters even more.

Start by naming the harm. If you witness collective punishment being used—such as the removal of privileges from an entire class because of one student&#8217;s behaviour—document the incident. Ask for clarification in writing. Request the policy justification. Often, there is none.

Support children in speaking up. Let them know that they deserve fairness, not control. That being punished for someone else’s actions is not just cruel—it’s educationally unsound. If they bring home stories of group punishments, believe them. Validate their discomfort. Encourage them to write, draw, or record what happened.

You can also write to your school principal, superintendent, or board of education. Ask them whether they endorse collective punishment. Demand a clear public stance. Make your letter public. Share it with other families.

Finally, amplify survivor voices. Many children harmed by these practices are disabled, racialised, neurodivergent, or living in poverty. Their resistance is often pathologised or ignored. Help surface those stories. Help them shape policy.

You don’t need permission to be outraged. You only need clarity, and the courage to act on it. Ending collective punishment is a moral imperative, not a procedural one.

Petition to end collective punishment in BC Schools

Collective punishment in schools continues in British Columbia, where children are still punished for things they didn’t do—or because others&hellip;

Question 28

What can school districts do instead of using collective punishment?

Accepted Answer

Ending collective punishment isn’t just about eliminating harmful practices—it’s about creating the conditions where punitive responses are no longer seen as necessary. That means shifting from control to care, from blame to relationship, and from scarcity to investment. Here are concrete actions districts can take: 1. Fund appropriately Collective punishment is often a symptom of under-resourced…

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Here are concrete actions districts can take:

1. Fund appropriately

Collective punishment is often a symptom of under-resourced classrooms. When staff are stretched thin and behavioural needs go unsupported, schools may default to blanket discipline. Districts must advocate for and allocate funding to:

hire sufficient support staff (EAs, counsellors, youth workers)

ensure continuity in staffing for students who need relational safety

reduce class sizes

Without this, even well-intentioned teachers will continue to burn out—and students will continue to be harmed.

2. Train appropriately

Trauma-informed practice cannot be reduced to a slideshow. Staff need ongoing, embedded training in:

neurodiversity-affirming approaches

restorative justice and relationship-based discipline

de-escalation and co-regulation

disability rights, including legal obligations under the School Act and Human Rights Code

Training must be practical, culturally competent, and delivered in collaboration with people who have lived experience—not just theory.

3. Use restorative, not punitive, responses

Restorative justice is not just about holding a circle after harm. It’s a system-wide commitment to relationship, accountability, and repair. It asks:

what happened?

who was affected and how?

what needs to happen to make it right?

When done well, restorative practice shifts power. It allows students to understand their impact without being shamed, and to remain part of the community they may have hurt.

4. Rebuild relationships with families

Too often, school systems treat parents—especially parents of disabled children—as problems to be managed. That must change. Districts need to:

view parents as experts on their child, not adversaries

create transparent, collaborative IEP and support processes

respond to concerns with accountability rather than defensiveness

offer accessible channels for feedback and resolution

Family-school relationships grounded in trust reduce conflict, improve outcomes, and make reactive discipline less likely.

5. Name the harm. End the practice.

Districts must take an explicit stance against collective punishment. That means:

banning it in policy

educating staff on its harms

tracking its use as an equity issue

apologising when it happens

Because the harm is real. And predictable. And preventable.

Question 29

What is tone policing, and how is it used against families in schools?

Accepted Answer

Tone policing occurs when school staff, administrators, or support personnel dismiss or diminish the substance of a parent’s concerns by focusing on how the message was delivered. Parents of disabled children are often told they are being “too aggressive,” “too emotional,” or “not collaborative enough”—even when their communication is clear, documented, and urgent. This practice disproportionately affects women, racialized families, and neurodivergent parents who are already navigating power imbalances.

In school settings, tone policing is a form of rhetorical control: it reframes advocacy as a behavioural problem. It creates a chilling effect where parents begin self-censoring, soften their language, and worry more about being liked than being heard. It can also serve as a dog whistle to escalate against parents—labeling them as “difficult” in internal documentation, which can then be used to limit their access or credibility.

The cumulative impact is institutional silencing. Families lose trust, disengage from processes meant to support them, and are made to feel that their distress is the real problem—not the conditions causing it. In many cases, tone policing is a strategic tool to preserve professional comfort and institutional power rather than foster meaningful resolution or support for the child.

The politics of politeness: how tone-policing silences parent advocates

When a parent dares to speak plainly about harm—especially when that harm is systemic, ongoing, and inflicted upon a disabled child—they are swiftly met with a familiar response: watch your tone.

Question 30

What does it mean when a school is gaslighting a family?

Accepted Answer

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person or institution causes someone to question their own memory, perception, or understanding of events. In schools, this often shows up when a parent reports a harmful incident or a missing support—and is met with denial, minimisation, or vague language that subtly shifts blame. For…

Learn more

It becomes especially dangerous when patterns of harm are consistently erased through bureaucratic language, such as claiming a student &#8216;chose&#8217; to leave or that &#8216;there’s no documentation&#8217; of what the parent plainly experienced. The school’s version becomes the only official one—and any emotional response from the family can then be used to discredit them.

Gaslighting not only undermines parent-school relationships, but also retraumatises families who have already struggled to get support. It can lead to self-doubt, burnout, and learned helplessness. For children, it’s particularly damaging: when their lived experiences are denied, they may internalise confusion, self-blame, and mistrust in adults. Calling it what it is—gaslighting—is the first step toward accountability.

Gaslighted by proxy: how schools grant coercive power to the quietest parent

When one parent advocates and the other undermines, the school almost always aligns with the one who &#8220;gets along.&#8221; Not because that parent is more informed, more accurate, or more protective—but because they are easier to accommodate. They agree easily. They stay quiet.&hellip;

Question 31

Is it fair when the whole class gets punished?

Accepted Answer

No, it’s not fair—and it’s not your fault.

Sometimes teachers say things like, “If one more person talks, no one gets free time,” or “Because of someone’s choices, we’re not doing the fun thing.” That’s called collective punishment, and it means everyone gets punished because of what one or two people did.

Even if your name wasn’t said, maybe you felt like everyone was looking at you. That pressure, that hurt feeling in your chest? You’re not imagining it.

Collective punishment is confusing, especially if you were already having a hard moment. It can make kids feel ashamed, blamed, or invisible. But you deserve to be treated with understanding—not used as an example.

🧠 You have the right to support.🗣️ You’re allowed to speak up.🌱 You’re not alone.

Want to understand more?👉 Read: To the kid looking for answers about collective punishment

To the kid looking for answers about collective punishment

Hey, If you found your way here, maybe it’s because something happened at school that didn’t sit right. Maybe you searched for “why did my whole class get punished” or “it wasn’t my fault but we all lost recess.” Maybe a grown-up sent&hellip;

Question 32

What can I do if school doesn’t feel safe?

Accepted Answer

You still deserve safety. And you’re not alone.

Sometimes, the grown-ups around you don’t help. Sometimes, they’re part of the problem. And sometimes, the person who should protect you isn’t safe either.

That’s not your fault.

If you don’t have a parent or adult you trust, here are some things you can do:

💬 Tell someone elseYou might try a school counsellor, youth worker, teacher you trust, or even a helpline. You can say:

“Something’s been happening that doesn’t feel right, and I don’t know what to do.”

📱 Use a phone safelyIf you have one, you can still use it to get help. Save the number for a helpline or safe adult if you have one. Even just writing down what’s happening can help you stay clear and strong.

🧠 Make your own rulesIf adults won’t protect you, it’s okay to make your own plan. That could mean:

Going to the bathroom to get a break

Sitting near exits or quiet areas

Leaving when things get too intense

Carrying something comforting (a toy, stone, bracelet)Your body’s warning signs—tight chest, sick feeling, racing heart—are real. You’re allowed to act on them.

🧍🏽‍♀️ You are not the problemIf you’ve been made to feel like you are the issue, please know: you are not. The system should keep you safe—and if it doesn’t, the failure is theirs, not yours.

🌱 It’s okay to dream about something betterEven if things feel stuck right now, there are people trying to change things—people who’ve been through it and care deeply about kids like you.

You deserve a school that protects you.You deserve adults who listen.And you deserve to feel safe—every day.

A survival guide for children in schools that don&#8217;t keep them safe

“If no one listens, go to the bathroom and call me. I will always come.” This isn’t just parenting. It’s crisis management. When schools become unsafe—when accommodations are denied, when support staff are missing, when harmful adults are brought back again and again—families&hellip;

Question 33

Can we appeal a decision based on collective punishment?

Accepted Answer

Yes—and sometimes, we should.

Collective punishment is never fair. Whether it’s a cancelled field trip, lost recess, or a group consequence that quietly targets one child, it’s a form of institutional harm that shifts responsibility away from adults and onto children—especially those already struggling.

If your child was punished as part of a group, even though they did nothing wrong—or because they were having a hard time—you can appeal the decision.

In BC, public school families have the right to file an education appeal when a decision negatively affects their child’s education, safety, or well-being. That includes decisions that:

Deny support or accommodations

Impose exclusion through group discipline

Blame a child for behaviours rooted in unmet needs

Appealing won’t always change the outcome. But it puts your objections on record. It tells the district: we see what happened—and we don’t accept it.

Even if you’re exhausted. Even if you doubt it will make a difference. An appeal is more than paperwork—it’s a form of resistance.

FAQ

Overview

What causes collective punishment in schools?

Why was my whole class punished?

What can I do if a teacher cancels a trip for everyone?

What does that even mean?

Why does collective punishment feel so humiliating?

Is it legal to withhold food as a classroom punishment?

For families

What is tone policing, and how is it used against families in schools?

What does it mean when a school is gaslighting a family?

What is institutional betrayal in an education setting?

For children

What is an example of collective punishment?

Is it fair when the whole class gets punished?

What can I do if school doesn’t feel safe?

For educators

Is collective punishment trauma-informed?

What’s the difference between consequences and punishment?

Why are neurodivergent students more likely to be harmed by collective punishment?

What evidence is there that collective punishment is harmful?

What can school districts do instead of using collective punishment?

What is moral injury?

What is the difference between corporal and collective punishment?

Advocacy and resistance

What can you do to help end collective punishment in BC schools?

Legality and ethical implications

Is collective punishment legal in BC schools?

What is Section 43 of the Canadian Criminal Code?

How is collective punishment connected to Section 43?

What did the Truth and Reconciliation Commission say about punishment?

Is isolation or restraint legal in BC schools?

End collective punishment in BC schools