Maine high school replaces detention with hiking for student discipline

A high school in Maine is eliminating detention in favor of discipline raises.

As part of its “detention raises” program, Morse High School in Bath, Maine, offers students the option of going for a walk instead of sitting in class as punishment.

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

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Sophomore Alexander Soto told the publication that the concept was initially met with skepticism by students who thought hiking on nearby trails might be “boring.”

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

“Finally, people look really different, in a good way,” Trundy told The Washington Post. “The kids expressed that to me, too. They said, ‘That was really great, thank you.’ … Even if they weren’t as loud, I could tell they were in a better place.”

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The walks reportedly lasted about three miles. Students take a break by a stream with snacks provided by Trundy. Trundy also brings a poem about “starting over.”

One student named Elsie Nelson-Walling told The Washington Post that she participated in five detention marches after getting in trouble for skipping class because she “had a hard time sitting still in class.”

Students reported that they preferred to go for a walk even if they were not in trouble. (iStock)

The little boy reported feeling more connected to school after completing the walks and volunteered to go on more walks, even if he wasn’t in trouble.

Fellow student Soto added that the “rush” he would feel after breaking the rules was replaced by a new perspective and relief from the walk.

Health benefits of walking outside

Beyond burning calories, recent research has also supported the benefits of walking in improving brain health.

A new study from Mass. General Brigham found that even a small amount of walking can slow the brain changes that lead to Alzheimer’s.

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Psychiatrist Dr., founder of Amen Clinics in California. In his interview with Fox News Digital, Daniel Amen shared that walking triggers blood flow to the brain.

Amen suggests “walking like it’s late”; this may require 30 minutes of alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of brisk walking. This concept is also called “Japanese walk”.

According to experts, walking stimulates blood flow to the brain and can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. (iStock)

“If you do this five times for 30 minutes, it increases blood flow to your brain,” he said.

Dr. is an intensive care physician, pulmonologist and associate clinical professor at the University of California and Loma Linda University medical schools. According to Roger Seheult, exposure to sunlight and fresh air has been proven to strengthen the immune system and support overall health.

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In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Seheult cited research in Japan that analyzed “aromatic compounds” emitted from trees, called phytoncides, that can provide healing benefits to the body.

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“If you live in Manhattan [and] “If you’re going to Central Park once a week, studies show that these substances that trees emit can actually affect your innate immune system for up to seven days,” he said.

In addition to regulating sleep and improving mood, research has shown that certain light spectrums from the sun can have “dramatic effects” on the body’s metabolism.

‘Respectful’ discipline

An Oregon family recently went viral for disciplining their child regarding physical fitness after a young boy spoke to his mother.

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

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Educational psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Michele Borba reacted to this viral situation and stated that discipline is not one size fits all.

A parenting expert said it’s important to provide discipline in a way that is both responsible and respectful. (iStock)

In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, the California-based expert emphasized that discipline should always be age-appropriate and tailored to the child, as making the child do strenuous exercises that make him uncomfortable could be considered inappropriate.

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Borba added that it is important to maintain discipline in a manner that is both responsible and respectful.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Morse High School and Leslie Trundy for comment.