Maine high school replaces detention with hiking to discipline students

Maine high school abandons detention in favor of disciplinary increases.

As part of its “detention hikes” program, Morse High School in Bath, Maine, offers students the opportunity to go for a walk instead of sitting in a classroom as punishment.

The idea was started last year by school counselor Leslie Trundy, who is an avid hiker, according to a Washington Post report.

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At first, the concept sparked doubts from students who thought hiking nearby trails might be “boring,” sophomore Alexander Soto told the publication.

But students reportedly quickly took a liking to the alternative, enjoying the fresh air, wildlife and conversations with others. They also noted that the experience improved their mood.

Morse High School in Bath, Maine, brought back “detention hikes” for a second year. (Actual students are not shown.) (iStock)

“People seem really different at the end,” Trundy told the Washington Post. “I even had kids express it to me. They said, ‘That was really great, thank you.’ … Even though they don’t talk about it as much, I can tell they’re in a better place. »

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The hikes would be approximately three miles long. The students stop for a break by a stream with snacks provided by Trundy, who also brings a poem about “starting again.”

One student, Elsie Nelson-Walling, told the Washington Post that she attended five detention hikes after getting in trouble for skipping class because she “had trouble sitting still in a classroom.”

Students said they choose to go on hikes even when they are not in trouble. (iStock)

The junior reported that after completing the hikes, she felt more invested in the school and volunteered to go on more hikes, even though she was not having problems.

Fellow student Soto added that the “rush” he would feel after breaking the rules had been replaced by a new perspective and relaxation through hiking.

Health Benefits of Walking Outside

Beyond burning calories, recent research has confirmed the benefits of walking for improving brain health.

A new study from Mass General Brigham found that even small amounts of walking can slow brain changes leading to Alzheimer’s disease.

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In an interview with Fox News Digital, psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen, founder of Amen Clinics in California, explained that walking induces blood flow to the brain.

Amen suggests “walking like you’re late,” which might require 30 minutes of alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of brisk walking. This concept has also been called “Japanese walking”.

Walking induces blood flow to the brain and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, experts say. (iStock)

“Do this five times for 30 minutes and it increases blood flow to your brain,” he said.

Exposure to sunlight and fresh air has also been proven to strengthen the immune system and promote overall health, according to Dr. Roger Seheult, a critical care physician, pulmonologist and clinical associate professor at the University of California and Loma Linda University schools of medicine.

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In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Seheult referenced research in Japan that analyzed “aromatic compounds” emitted by trees, called phytoncides, which may have healing benefits for the body.

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“If you live in Manhattan (and) you had to go to Central Park once a week, studies show that substances given off by trees can actually impact your innate immune system for seven days,” he said.

In addition to regulating sleep and improving mood, certain spectrums of sunlight may have “dramatic effects” on the body’s metabolism, research shows.

A “respectful” discipline

An Oregon family recently went viral for disciplining their child over fitness after a young boy talked back to his mother.

Although the approach has been met with conflicting opinions from the public, parents shared with Fox News Digital that using physical activity as punishment teaches “emotional regulation” and provides a healthy outlet when a child feels overwhelmed.

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Dr. Michele Borba, a school psychologist and parenting expert, reacted to this viral moment, emphasizing that discipline is not universal.

It’s important that discipline is administered in a way that is both responsible and respectful, a parenting expert said. (iStock)

In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, the California-based expert emphasized that discipline should always be age-appropriate and child-friendly, as forcing a child to do strenuous exercises that they are not comfortable with would be considered inappropriate.

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It is important that discipline is applied in a manner that is both responsible and respectful, Borba added.

Fox News Digital has contacted Morse High School and Leslie Trundy for comment.