Students, like those with criminal records, are given community service if suspended. But is this really the right path?

LItalian schools are preparing for a small disciplinary revolution. Starting in September, with the implementation of the reform promoted by Minister Valditara, misconduct will no longer be punished simply with warnings and suspensions, but with something more concrete: community service (like for convicted criminals nearing the end of their sentences), make-up exams, and, in the most serious cases, automatic failure.

A clear shift, aiming to restore discipline to the top of educational priorities. But will it really work? Or does it risk confusing education with simple punishment?

No promotion with a 6 in conduct: you will have to take a "citizenship test"

High school students who finish the year with a 6 in behavior will not be eligible for immediate promotion in June. Instead, they will have to demonstrate their improved behavior by taking an additional test in September: a paper on active citizenship topics, related to their past misconduct.

With a 5, however, there are no discounts: failure will be automatic. And already from the first four months, if the conduct If it's insufficient, mandatory remedial activities will be triggered. In short, behavior becomes a subject like any other, to be "revised" if one isn't up to par.

No more "holiday" suspensions: we're working again

Even the sanctions are changing. If a student is suspended for more than two days, they won't be left idly at home: they will be required to carry out educational activities or volunteer work with third-sector organizations.

If they can't find any, they'll have to make themselves useful behind the scenes, with internal school work. The idea is to transform punishment into an opportunity for growth, replacing temporary expulsion with something constructive.

Middle School and A-levels in the spotlight

The restrictions don't just apply to high schools. They also apply to middle schools, where numerical grades for conduct have returned, and to the state exam, where a performance below a 9 will reduce the credits needed to achieve the highest grade. Meanwhile, schools have a month to adjust their regulations.

A necessary reform or just a punitive one?

Minister Valditara calls it a "strong signal": "Respect for people and institutions is essential." But beyond the good intentions, a question remains: is harsher consequences enough to solve the problem?

Of course, giving concrete weight to behavior can be a deterrent, but education isn't just about sanctions. More resources are needed for psychological support, conflict mediation projects, and genuine dialogue between students and teachers. Because the risk is that, without deeper work, these measures will end up being perceived as mere humiliation, rather than an opportunity for redemption.

Schools need authority, not just authority. The question is: does this reform build the former, or does it simply impose the latter?

Joseph Del Gaudio

Giuseppe Del Gaudio, a professional journalist since 1991. A lover of action films, sports, and South American culture. His motto: "Work is good, not working is tiring."