* The school's policies: Some schools have very strict detention policies, with long durations and rigorous rules, while others are more lenient. Some might involve hard labor like cleaning, while others are simply supervised study hall.
* The reason for detention: A detention for chewing gum is vastly different from a detention for serious misbehavior like fighting or bullying. The consequences for the latter will likely be more serious and the student may face additional penalties.
* The student's perspective: A student who thrives on structure might find detention tolerable, while a student who chafes under authority might find even a short detention intensely unpleasant. A student's social standing can also affect their experience.
* The duration and location: A short detention in a quiet room might be mildly inconvenient, while a long detention in a crowded, noisy room could be significantly more stressful.
In short, there's no single answer. For some students, detention is a minor inconvenience; for others, it's a stressful and unpleasant experience. It's rarely physically harmful, but the psychological impact can vary widely depending on the individual and the circumstances. It's generally intended as a disciplinary measure, not a punishment designed to cause significant suffering.