Detentions should be held in a quiet room. Noisy areas where students can be distracted and encouraged to be unruly should be avoided. A classroom with the door closed is an ideal environment. A library is an example of a poor location choice since it is open to other students and passersby, which may cause interference with the detention.
The adult overseeing the detention time should lay out clear rules of conduct. A list of rules should be passed out to students or stated verbally at the beginning of the session. Other relevant details, such as the exact time the detention ends or permission requirements to exit for bathroom use, should also be announced. It is a good idea to remind students that misbehaving during detention time results in more severe reprimands.
The type of activities allowed during the detention session should be articulated. Generally, no food or beverages are allowed. No talking to other students is permitted. No sleeping, music, cell phones or recreational computer use is allowed. Homework activities, educational reading and computer research are acceptable activities.
At the end of the detention period it is wise to inform students that multiple detentions can result in more severe, school punishments. It is helpful to remind students to avoid future detentions before excusing them.