Fear-based discipline refers to behaviour management approaches that rely on intimidation, humiliation, punishment, or the threat of harm or negative consequences to control student behaviour. Instead of addressing the reasons a child may be struggling—such as unmet learning needs, sensory overload, trauma, or dysregulation—fear-based discipline attempts to produce compliance through pressure. Examples can include public shaming, collective punishment, isolation, exclusion from classrooms or activities, or repeated threats of suspension. In some cases, fear-based dynamics also arise when support is withdrawn in ways that leave a child unsafe—for example, removing supervision or accommodations that prevent elopement, injury, or other risks. Even if harm is not intended, families may feel that their child’s safety is being used as leverage to force compliance and create fear. Many advocates view practices such as humiliation, isolation, exclusion, and collective punishment as modern forms of coercive discipline. These approaches may create short-term compliance but often increase anxiety, undermine trust, and fail to address the underlying needs driving behaviour. Effective discipline focuses on safety, understanding behaviour, and building trust and skills rather than relying on fear.