‘Educated Romania’ Introduces Detention Rooms in School

Romania has officially introduced school detention rooms as part of a new educational policy addressing student behaviour. The Ministry of Education confirmed this initiative, which aligns with practices in the United States, on August 8, 2024, and is set to take effect with the start of the new school year.

The paradox is that Romania’s education system’s failure is visible. Apart from that, ‘Educated Romania’ is the current country’s president’s plan, and he is an ex-teacher who visibly failed to implement any educational idea during his two mandates. At the end of his second one, Romania needs detention rooms, which makes the failure even bigger.

Overview of the Detention Policy in Romania

• Purpose of Detention Rooms: The detention rooms will serve as a space for students who disrupt classes, allowing them to engage in supervised activities such as additional reading or completing worksheets. This measure aims to provide a structured environment for reflection and behaviour correction without disrupting the learning process for other students.
• Regulatory Framework: The introduction of detention rooms is part of broader regulatory changes proposed by the Ministry of Education, which includes the Student Statute and the Regulation on the Organization and Operation of Pre-University Education Units. These documents outline the rules surrounding student behaviour and the consequences of violations, including using detention as a disciplinary measure.
• Mobile Phone Policy: In conjunction with the detention policy, the Ministry has reinforced a ban on the use of mobile phones during class time, with provisions for confiscation if this rule is violated. Phones will be returned to parents at the end of the school day.

Implications for Schools and Students

• Disciplinary Measures: The new regulations include various disciplinary actions beyond detention, such as written reprimands, temporary suspensions, and even expulsion in severe cases. The aim is to create a more disciplined educational environment while ensuring students understand the consequences of their actions.
• Teacher Support: The policy is designed to help teachers manage classroom behaviour more effectively, providing them with tools to address disruptions without resorting to more severe measures.
• Public Consultation: The Ministry of Education has opened the proposed changes for public debate, inviting feedback from educators, parents, and stakeholders in the education sector. This step reflects an effort to create a collaborative approach to educational reform.

The introduction of detention rooms in Romanian schools marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to student discipline. By implementing structured environments for students who disrupt classes, the Ministry of Education aims to foster a more conducive learning atmosphere.

As the new school year approaches, the effectiveness of this policy will be closely monitored. Based on its impact on student behaviour and academic performance, further adjustments may be made.