‘Youth is Present Only When Its Presence is a Problem’: Voices of Young People on Discipline in School

Discipline in schools is a topic of enduring public interest and concern. This article reviews findings from three recent research studies, which gathered views of young people on this issue in mainstream, alternative and special school settings. It reveals the confusion and frustration of students seeking to contribute to the debate, often on aspects that affect them directly and significantly. Their reflections are contextualised within a discussion of different conceptualisations of discipline, and from there, it is argued that, by strengthening the voice, power and presence of young people in dialogue on this key issue, the debate itself will be more relevant and well‐focused.