Petition · Department for Education
Ban Isolation as a sanction in schools
Open for signatures
13 signatures
What the petition asks
The isolation sanction, which is widely used in schools, should be banned and replaced with something more effective and less psychologically distressing for students.
Schools can use isolation (reflection or seclusion) as a punishment, placing 11-16 year olds in silent rooms with side partitions and limited toilet breaks. We are concerned that for some students this could cause severe distress and lasting damage including:
Chronic Anxiety & Panic: Triggering ongoing anxiety disorders and panic attacks in structured settings.
Depression & Apathy: Clinical depression, loss of pleasure, and a feeling that effort is meaningless.
Chronic Anxiety & Panic: Triggering ongoing anxiety disorders and panic attacks in structured settings.
Depression & Apathy: Clinical depression, loss of pleasure, and a feeling that effort is meaningless.
Timeline
| 17 Aug 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
13
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Education
Opened
17 Aug 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 18 Aug 2026.