Schools that have adopted zero-tolerance policies typically punish students who have become entangled in alcohol, drugs, violence or academic dishonesty quite harshly. Many proponents of zero-tolerance policies claim that this will help discourage bad behavior in schools and will provide a better learning environment for students who are not troublemakers. Opponents of zero tolerance suggest that these policies will further alienate troubled students from learning and thus make it more likely that these students will become more dangerous and violent.
Many critics suggest that zero-tolerance policies in schools have an adverse impact on teachers, who do not have much liberty to correct and guide a student who has made a mistake. Evidence suggests that many zero-tolerance schools administer a high number of suspensions and expulsions. These reactions can have a possibly detrimental effect on the expelled or suspended students' academic careers. Many teachers suggest using violence prevention programs to train students about knowing how to manage peer pressure and other difficult situations when they arise.
Bullying has become a growing problem in many schools across the nation. Many students must also face harassment and bullying from students via social networking sites and cell phone text messages. Students facing bullying from their peers need to alert their teachers to the harassment. Under many zero-tolerance policies at schools, the offenders would be suspended or expelled for harassment of another student. This can have a great impact on reducing the numbers of incidents involving bullying in school.
Early intervention and social skills training programs have been touted as viable options to zero-tolerance policies. By teaching students critical social interaction skills, they can be better prepared to face challenges that arise in their daily lives at school. Students can learn how to diffuse conflict, and they can build confidence, to let them know that they do not have to fold to peer pressure and put themselves and others at risk. Teaching students with role playing, giving them specific scenarios to discuss, is an excellent way for students to learn the ropes.