A School in Finland Has Replaced Detention with “Repair Time”
Traditionally, school discipline has been about punishment. Break rules, and you sit out, lose privileges, or spend time in detention. While this system may keep order, it rarely addresses the root causes of behavior or teaches students how to grow from their mistakes.
Traditionally, school discipline has been about punishment. Break rules, and you sit out, lose privileges, or spend time in detention. While this system may keep order, it rarely addresses the root causes of behavior or teaches students how to grow from their mistakes.
In a small school in Finland, educators are trying a different approach. Instead of traditional detention, they now offer “Repair Time”—a structured, thoughtful period where students take responsibility for their actions, repair harm, and reflect on how to make better choices in the future.
What might seem like a simple change in policy is actually a transformative approach to education, empathy, and community-building. It shows that discipline doesn’t have to be punitive—it can be educational, restorative, and hopeful.
- The Philosophy Behind Repair Time
- How Repair Time Works
- Shifting From Punishment to Understanding
- Benefits for Students
- Supporting Emotional Well-Being
- Strengthening the School Community
- Examples in Action
- Teachers as Mentors, Not Enforcers
- Long-Term Benefits Beyond School
- Why This Matters Globally
- Students Respond Positively
- A Shift in Perspective on Mistakes
- Reducing Conflict and Recidivism
- Lessons for Educators Worldwide
- A Community Approach to Discipline
- Good News in Times of Stress
The Philosophy Behind Repair Time
Repair Time is grounded in restorative practices, a philosophy that emphasizes accountability, empathy, and connection rather than punishment.
The principles include:
- Understanding the impact of one’s actions
- Taking responsibility rather than shifting blame
- Repairing harm done to others or the community
- Learning skills to prevent future mistakes
In essence, the goal is not simply to deter bad behavior, but to teach students how to make better choices while maintaining dignity and respect.
How Repair Time Works
When a student breaks a rule, the process is simple yet profound:
- Reflection: The student reflects on their actions. What happened? Why did it happen? Who was affected?
- Discussion: The student meets with a teacher, counselor, or mentor to talk through their choices in a safe, non-judgmental space.
- Repair Plan: Together, they design a plan to make amends. This could involve:
- Apologizing to peers or staff
- Participating in community service
- Completing educational activities related to the behavior
- Creating a personal reflection project
- Follow-Up: Teachers check in to support continued growth, reinforcing learning rather than simply noting the punishment.
This approach ensures the student leaves with understanding and accountability, not resentment or shame.
Shifting From Punishment to Understanding
One of the most powerful changes is how the school views mistakes. In traditional detention:
- The focus is on loss—time, privileges, or freedom.
- Students often feel isolated or resentful.
With Repair Time:
- The focus is on learning and understanding consequences.
- Students develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Relationships between students and staff grow stronger.
Rather than alienating students, this approach keeps them engaged and connected.
Benefits for Students
Students participating in Repair Time report multiple positive outcomes:
- Improved self-awareness: They learn to recognize triggers and patterns in their behavior.
- Stronger relationships: By repairing harm, students strengthen trust with peers and teachers.
- Problem-solving skills: Students practice creating solutions rather than avoiding consequences.
- Confidence and resilience: Facing mistakes constructively builds courage and self-esteem.
In short, students learn that mistakes are not failures—they are opportunities for growth.
Supporting Emotional Well-Being
Restorative practices, like Repair Time, also have a profound impact on mental health. Schools can be stressful environments, and traditional punishment can exacerbate anxiety, anger, and isolation.
Repair Time fosters:
- A sense of safety
- Emotional regulation
- Reflection without shame
- Encouragement to take responsibility
By addressing both behavior and emotion, students gain tools to navigate life beyond the classroom.
Strengthening the School Community
Repair Time doesn’t just benefit the individual—it strengthens the entire school culture.
Teachers and staff report:
- Reduced conflicts and repeated offenses
- Greater mutual respect between students and educators
- A more supportive, collaborative learning environment
By framing mistakes as part of learning, the school creates a culture of accountability and compassion, where everyone works together to solve problems.
Examples in Action
Some examples from the school illustrate how Repair Time works in practice:
- Conflict resolution: Two students had a heated argument. During Repair Time, they discussed what happened, identified misunderstandings, and apologized. They even co-created a poster promoting respectful communication for their peers.
- Property damage: A student accidentally damaged classroom equipment. Instead of detention, they repaired or replaced the item, documented the process, and wrote a reflection on how to avoid similar mistakes.
- Bullying prevention: Students who engaged in exclusionary behavior participated in empathy exercises and mentoring sessions, leading to restored friendships and lasting behavior change.
These stories demonstrate that accountability and learning can replace fear and punishment.
Teachers as Mentors, Not Enforcers
Repair Time transforms the role of teachers. Instead of being solely disciplinarians, educators become mentors, guides, and facilitators.
Teachers report:
- Greater job satisfaction, seeing students grow rather than resent authority
- Stronger trust with students, leading to more open communication
- Opportunities to teach life skills alongside academics
This approach changes the teacher-student dynamic from authoritarian to collaborative.
Long-Term Benefits Beyond School
Students who experience restorative practices carry lessons beyond the classroom:
- Understanding consequences and empathy in real-life relationships
- Ability to handle conflict constructively
- Stronger emotional intelligence and communication skills
- Increased likelihood of contributing positively to their communities
Repair Time teaches more than compliance—it prepares students for life.
Why This Matters Globally
Traditional detention is still common worldwide, despite research showing it is largely ineffective in changing behavior long-term.
This Finnish school shows that:
- Discipline can be compassionate and effective
- Schools can nurture emotional intelligence alongside academics
- Communities benefit when students are guided, not punished
It is a model other schools can emulate, showing that a little reflection can go a long way.
Students Respond Positively
Feedback from students is overwhelmingly positive:
“I used to hate detention. It felt like punishment without purpose. Repair Time helped me understand my actions and how to fix them. I feel respected and supported.”
“I’ve learned how to apologize properly and work on my mistakes. I feel like I can trust my teachers to help me, not just punish me.”
These testimonials highlight the transformative power of empathy and guidance.
A Shift in Perspective on Mistakes
Repair Time encourages a growth mindset. Students begin to see mistakes as:
- Learning opportunities
- Chances to improve relationships
- Ways to understand themselves better
- A normal part of development
Rather than avoiding mistakes out of fear, students approach challenges with curiosity and responsibility.
Reducing Conflict and Recidivism
Early data from Finnish schools implementing restorative practices shows:
- Lower repeat offenses
- Fewer disciplinary incidents
- Stronger engagement with peers and teachers
Repair Time doesn’t just resolve single incidents—it prevents future problems by addressing root causes.
Lessons for Educators Worldwide
The success of this Finnish school offers clear lessons for educators everywhere:
- Punishment alone rarely fosters growth
- Reflection, accountability, and guidance build long-term skills
- School culture improves when discipline is restorative, not punitive
- Students thrive when treated with respect and empathy
Even small changes in how schools handle misbehavior can ripple into lifelong benefits.
A Community Approach to Discipline
Repair Time also extends to peer relationships. Students learn:
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Active listening and communication
- How to support one another through challenges
Discipline becomes a shared learning experience, not a private punishment.
Good News in Times of Stress
In a world where youth face academic pressure, social challenges, and digital distractions, restorative approaches provide hope.
This story reminds us:
- Mistakes don’t define us
- Guidance and empathy create stronger individuals
- Communities can thrive when support replaces punishment
Repair Time is more than a school policy—it is a philosophy of compassionate growth.
A School in Finland Has Replaced Detention with “Repair Time”
When discipline shifts from punishment to understanding, learning becomes deeper and more humane. Replacing detention with “repair time” shows how empathy, reflection, and accountability can help students grow emotionally—not just academically. If this approach inspired you, here are a few thoughtful reads that explore mindful education and compassionate growth:
- Mindfulness for Kids: Helping the Next Generation Stay Present → How simple mindfulness practices support emotional regulation, focus, and self-awareness in children.
- Modeling Emotional Intelligence: How Mindful Parenting Helps Children Manage Emotions → Why teaching emotional skills through example builds resilience and empathy in young minds.
- Mindfulness in Education: Enhancing Focus, Reducing Stress → A practical look at how mindful approaches create calmer, more supportive learning environments.
Looking for Words That Encourage Compassion and Growth in Learning Spaces?
Encouraging Quotes → A supportive collection of words that celebrate understanding, second chances, and emotional growth—for students and educators alike.