Why We Shouldn’t Criticize Expelling Students at 16 Years Old

 

This is a topic many shy away from, but let’s be honest, we need to look at it from both sides. 

Too often, the conversation around expelling students focuses only on the negatives, without acknowledging that, in some cases, it’s the best choice, both for the individual and for the wider school community, let’s break it down truthfully.

If a student is willing to learn, improve themselves, and engage positively, there’s no reason to push them out of the system.

Schools are meant to nurture, guide, and teach, to provide second chances and offer support when young people struggle. 

Many students mature late, need extra help, or face challenges at home that spill into the classroom. 

For those who want to rise above that, schools should keep the door open.

But here’s the other side, and it’s the part people often avoid.

If a student is consistently disruptive, dangerous, or deliberately undermining the learning environment, keeping them in school can harm everyone else. 

We’re not just talking about a few bad days or minor behavioral issues, we’re talking about repeated patterns, violence, bullying, drug involvement, criminal activity, or deliberate sabotage of the learning space.

Why should an entire class or school be held back by a few individuals who have no intention of participating or improving?

Let’s be truthful with ourselves, as the original input says, Look around.

Many young people leave school early and, unfortunately, some become a burden on society, engaging in crime, wasting opportunities, or disrupting communities. 

Of course, not every dropout goes down this path, but keeping them forcibly in school when they’re determined not to learn doesn’t magically fix these issues.

There are several beneficial aspects to allowing or enforcing early exits:

1. Protecting the Learning Environment
2. By removing persistently disruptive students, schools can create a safer, calmer, and more focused space for those who truly want to learn.
3. Redirecting Energy Into Other Paths
4. Not every student thrives in academic settings. Early expulsion can push students toward vocational programs, apprenticeships, or alternative learning environments better suited to their interests and abilities.
5. Teaching Accountability
6. Actions have consequences. When young people understand that their choices can lead to serious outcomes like expulsion, it reinforces personal responsibility — a key life skill.
7. Conserving Resources
8. Schools have limited time, staff, and money. Redirecting resources toward students who want to succeed rather than endlessly managing repeat offenders can result in better outcomes for the majority.
9. Reducing Harm to Others
10. Let’s not ignore the emotional and physical toll on other students and teachers who deal with harassment, violence, or constant classroom disruption. Removing those who pose real harm helps the larger community thrive.

Of course, expulsion should never be the first step. Schools must try interventions, counseling, parental involvement, and second chances. 

But when all else fails, letting go can be a form of tough love, one that acknowledges the realities of personal choice, social dynamics, and limited institutional capacity.

In short, we shouldn’t criticize schools or systems for expelling students at 16 when all signs point to it being the healthiest option for everyone involved. 

Instead, we should focus on creating better post-expulsion pathways so these young people can find a way forward outside the traditional school system.

Be truthful to yourselves, people, not everyone wants to be helped, and not everyone benefits from being forced to stay in a system they reject.