Gazette readers back call for an end to use of isolation booths in schools

With concern growing that an increasing use of the booths for disruptive students could have serious effects on young people's mental health, we asked if their use should be stopped.

Almost 600 people voted, with 52% saying yes and 48% no.

Comments on our Facebook page reflected the divide in opinion.

Steve Bolton wrote: “Yeah a nice room to themself, just them and their phone. What more do they want?”

Carl Johnson said: “I'd say not punishing unruly kids is what causes problems. If they don't like being isolated....don't misbehave’, but Caz Rae said: “There is no reason to use isolation booths.

“Most schools have an area where disruptive pupils can go, where there are desks and computer monitors for them to continue their school work, however they are set up like any other class room.”

Colleen Kirton wrote: “My son has ADHD and ASD and found them easier to work in than a classroom. He could get his work done in half the time as there was no distractions.”

But Alan Knighting said: “Those sent to "isolation booths" on a regular basis are already suffering from some sort of mental health problem in that they are deliberately disrupting the classroom to the detriment of the other pupils.”

But Ian Pressey disagreed: “It’s plain and simple because they have never had any discipline and don’t know limits,” he said.

“If this small amount of punishment makes a difference, why not?”