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Find out more about getting into trouble at school

Most of us have had some experience of being in trouble at school. We all make wrong decisions because no-one is perfect. It’s how we deal with our mistakes that counts. Here are some positive ways to get back on track after things may have gone wrong.

While it may seem easier to pretend you haven’t made a mistake - isn’t it better to just own up and be done with it? You’ll feel better for it, and it stops you worrying that you’ll get found out anyway. Even if you think you might get in trouble for it, you’re likely to get into less trouble by coming clean, than by trying to hide it. So be honest and own up to your mistakes – people will respect you a lot more for your honesty.

Saying sorry, and meaning it, is a great start because it helps both you and the other person get over what has happened. Offering a real apology can help - of course, it’s important when you say sorry to mean it, otherwise you haven’t learnt from your mistakes.

You may feel pressure from your friends to misbehave at school. That can put you in a tight spot if you want to behave, but feel like you need to act out for your mates. Part of being your own person is making decisions that you know are right, even if folks around you want you to do something else, and that’s not easy! So do your best to do what you know is right, and if you feel you’re stuck in a pattern of behaviour speak to someone you trust about how you can learn to change, or hang out with different people at school.

If you’ve messed up and broken some rules, there are usually consequences. It can be scary, but isn’t it best to face up to these consequences yourself rather than waiting for them to happen? By owning up you get a chance to tell your side of the story and help people understand why it happened. Sure, there may still be a punishment (maybe a detention, or you lose some privileges), but then it’s over and you’ve said sorry and “paid your price” for the mistake; it’s all done.

Some people find the school experience harder than others. If your teacher is unaware that you struggle in class you could be getting into trouble when it’s not really your fault. You may need extra help because of a learning need and this doesn’t mean that you deserve a punishment. Make sure you speak to a teacher or your parents if you feel that you are being punished unfairly. Some people need more time and space to be able to do their best, and your school and teacher’s job is to support and guide you.

For information about organisations which can offer more advice on a range of issues, check out the advice helplines page.

There's loads more to watch in the Lifebabble guide to school.