Nearly 90% of school pupil absences are due to poor mental health. The mental health of young people has deteriorated since the pandemic. Headteachers site anxiety as the main cause.
School attendance is seen as a measure of a child’s educational journey. Regular school attendance is crucial not just for academic success, but also for the overall mental and emotional well-being of students.
Those in years 9 and 10 face the largest challenges as they were the most disrupted by the pandemics. They have missed out on many school activities.
There were 150,000 children severely absent (missing mor than half of school) in England last year, it was 60,000 before the pandemic.
Some schools have rebranded the traditional medical or sickroom as an “attendance support room”, to help pupils. Some parents are cautious keeping their children off school for longer than necessary.
School absence can both reflect and exacerbate mental health issues.
Regular attendance provides students with social interaction. When students miss school, they miss out on forming and maintaining friendships. This isolation can lead to social anxiety, making it even harder for them to return to school and reintegrate.
Falling behind in schoolwork is a common consequence of frequent absences. The stress of trying to catch up can overwhelm students, leading to anxiety and even depression. This academic pressure creates a vicious cycle where the fear of failure causes more absences.
Regular school attendance allows teachers and staff to identify and address issues early on. Chronic absenteeism can mask underlying problems such as bullying, family issues, or learning disabilities, delaying crucial intervention and support.
Mental health-related reasons for absence can include anxiety disorders, depression, phobias and fear of bullying.
What can governments do?
Education of all including on mental health and wellbeing and what to do to support those who are ill or are struggling.
Ensure that all schools are safe for all pupils.
Survey experts on what policies are useful and endorse them, remove and update unhelpful policies.
Educate parents about the signs of mental health issues and the importance of regular school attendance.
What can schools do?
Training, by equipping teachers and staff with mental health awareness training can help them identify signs of struggle and provide support.
Support systems, establish support groups or connect students with counsellors who can offer guidance and coping mechanisms. Schools should have systems in place to identify students who are frequently absent and provide interventions.
Flexible learning, alternative learning options, like online work for short absences, can ensure students do not fall behind academically.
Create a positive school and learning environment. Inclusivity and support, fostering respect and safety.
What can you do?
Maintain communication between you, parents and school. Parents can inform teachers about any mental health concerns their child might have, while schools can keep parents updated on their child’s progress.
Work together, parents and schools can create a support system that addresses the student’s specific needs and encourages regular school attendance.