Roughly 80,000 prisoners in the U.S. are in solitary confinement (being held in a cell for 22-24 hours a day for at least 15 days) (3).This is done as punishment for breaking prison rules, or for the safety of the prisoner or others. The latter is a valid concern, but because of the vast amount of dangers associated with isolation, we need to find a better way to resolve these issues. Humans need social interaction and variety (and time outdoors) - this is supported by plenty of research (2). Effects of isolation include psychosis, paranoia, anger, suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety. It can even result in increased violence/poor impulse control, therefore worsening the situation rather than resolving it. Roughly 30% of prisoners who experienced solitary confinement for 30 days (the numbers were not all that different for those who only experienced one day) showed signs of *serious* psychological distress. According to some reports, isolation can be equally as distressing as physical torture. Prolonged solitary confinement can also cause difficulty assimilating back into society. This is especially concerning considering the amount of inmates who have been wrongfully convicted or who have not yet gone through trial. For example, Kalief Browder was held for three years without trial at Rikers Island, two of which he spent in solitary confinement. When his trial finally came around, he was released due to insufficient evidence. Unfortunately, after being vocal about the damages of his prison/solitary experience, Browder committed suicide two years after his release (after multiple failed attempts while in solitary). Additionally, of those who are in solitary as a punitive measure, many were not because of violent crimes. Regardless of guilt, however, no human should be subject to this kind of treatment, especially when it actually makes matters worse. To eventually get to a place where we can completely abolish solitary confinement, though, we need effective alternatives in place. Solutions include reducing the amount of people who go into solitary confinement in the first place by increasing mental health treatment (since many in solitary have pre-existing mental disorders), creating de-escalation spaces where inmates can retreat to gather themselves if they’re feeling on edge, changing the conditions in restrictive housing, and implementing short maximum periods. Data has showed that prisons where these practices were implemented saw a decrease in assaults (leading to restrictive housing) by 40-90% (1). 1. https://www.vera.org/research/safe-alternatives-to-solitary-confinement 2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/solitary-confinement-effects#criticisms 3. http://apps.frontline.org/solitary-by-the-numbers/

I personally have a really hard time with this one. I used to work in a Juvenile Detention Facility where each juvenile go their own room and were allowed out periodically throughout the day. But if the juvenile had been behaving poorly they were stuck in their room. Is this statement referring to Juvenile facilities or adult facilities? If it's in regards to juvenile facilities then yes solitary confinement is for the most part not happening. In my experience, all juveniles got some time out of their room to interact with other kids or the staff. If this statement is in regards to adult facilities it should be continued. Why? for several reasons. Do you know what happens to a pedophile in a room full of men who know what he did? Well, he gets raped and beat. What happens to an adult who has mental issues and is trying to hurt themselves? They get to start a fight with anyone in the room and get exactly what they wanted. Generally speaking, solitary confinement is used to help the inmate stay safe. When solitary confinement is used as a punishment... Well, I don't agree with that. Only in the instances where it is used for the inmate's safety is it okay with me.

People don't understand that prison is full of violent criminals, people think prison is full of people like those in Hollywood movies. No, prison is not longest yard. No criminals are not misunderstood. Those in solitary confinement has done something to deserve it. I'd be willing talking about examining the reason for each individual being in solitary and reforming who should and shouldn't be in solitary, but banning it? No

Just because some prisoners are bad people doesn't mean we get to pretend like it's acceptable to treat them any way we want.

When someone is a danger to others they need to be in solitary confinement. However, it does have mental effects on a person and is not ideal unless they are a serious threat.

Solitary confinement should be banned due to its severe and detrimental effects on individuals' mental and physical health, as well as its ethical implications. For: Psychological Harm: Prolonged solitary confinement has been shown to cause significant psychological damage, including anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and even psychosis. The lack of social interaction and sensory stimulation can severely impact mental health. Physical Health Risks: Extended isolation can lead to various physical health issues, such as sleep disturbances, cardiovascular problems, and weakened immune responses. The stress and lack of physical activity can exacerbate existing health conditions. Human Rights Violations: Solitary confinement is often considered a form of cruel and unusual punishment. International human rights organizations, including the United Nations, have condemned its use, particularly for extended periods, as it can constitute torture. Ineffectiveness: Research indicates that solitary confinement does not effectively deter crime or rehabilitate inmates. Instead, it often exacerbates behavioral problems and makes reintegration into society more challenging upon release. Ethical Concerns: The ethical implications of subjecting individuals to prolonged isolation are profound. It raises questions about the humane treatment of prisoners and the moral responsibilities of the justice system. Against: Disciplinary Tool: Some argue that solitary confinement is necessary as a disciplinary tool to manage violent or disruptive inmates. However, there are alternative methods of discipline and behavior management that do not involve isolation and are more humane.