Was I to harsh on this student or not harsh enough?

Question

So today one of my normally very well behaved students was caught skipping class by one of my colleagues. My colleagues brought her to my room and ask me to deal with her. So I had her set up towards the front of the room for the remainder of the class. After class I brought her to my desk and talked to her about it. She said she only did it because it seemed "cool" and maybe if she did it she would be "cool" and in with the "cool" crowd. So I decided that it would be best if I just let her off with a firm warning that if she were to do it again there would be consequences. Since then she has gone back to her normal self.

Just a little side note I teach 7th and 8th grade students

Answer 1

If it had been another reason than being "cool," it could have been understandable, but things like that need to be quashed immediately if not sooner. There's too much emphasis on such things, and it's largely because teachers don't do anything about it. "Cool" people get away with murder. Most students are ridiculously intimidated by them, and the vast majority are bullies. Every little bit of discouraging that helps, EVERY bit. It's good that she stopped, though, and it's good that you cared.