School absenteeism on the rise: 16 ways to support students

Posted on September 12, 2024

There has been a notable rise in truancy among students in recent weeks after the Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia. Threats from phone calls have caused many parents to pull their kids from school. 

September is National Attendance Awareness Month where we explore this uptick in absences - and how we can support students in improving their school attendance.

Causes of Absenteeism

    • Teen truancy - Ways to help

      Mental Health: Anxiety and depression - especially after national school shooting news coverage

    • Social Challenges: Bullying and social anxiety
    • Lack of Engagement: Disconnection from school
    • Boredom: Lack of interesting material, or schoolwork that doesn’t match abilities
    • Family Issues: Conflicts or responsibilities at home
    • Substance Abuse: Drug or alcohol use
    • Academic Pressure: Stress from school demands
    • Peer Pressure: Peer influence
    • Economic Factors: Financial difficulties and transportation issues
    • Chronic Illness: Health problems
  • Pandemic Disruptions: Virtual shifts to learning leading to lack of structure

Tackling these issues needs a united effort from families, schools, and communities.

How to Support Students

  • Maintain Open Communication: Frequently talk with children about school and any difficulties they’re facing. Set clear expectations and emphasize the importance of school, while acknowledging their emotional health. 

  • Address Issues: Recognize and address underlying problems like mental health concerns or academic stress. Watch for warning signs such as irritability, anxiety, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, or social withdrawal. 
  • Create a Routine: Use a calendar to establish a consistent daily schedule that allocates time for school, homework, and relaxation. Downtime is important.
  • Plan Ahead: Prepare breakfast, choose outfits, and pack backpacks with homework, food, and water the night before.
  • Encourage Adequate Rest: Establish a regular bedtime and wake-up alarm. Support relaxation and unwinding activities before bed.
  • Manage Health: Ensure any health issues are addressed with proper care.
  • Provide Support: Offer encouragement to boost confidence and alleviate anxiety.
  • Stay Involved: Participate in parent-teacher meetings and keep track of your child’s academic progress.
  • Encourage Extracurricular Activities: Support involvement in activities to make school more interesting and engaging.
  • Set Up a Study Area: Design a quiet, well-equipped space at home dedicated to studying.
  • Assist with Schoolwork: Support with homework or arrange for tutoring as needed.
  • Collaborate with the School: Partner with teachers and counselors to create customized strategies.
  • Set Goals: Assist your child in setting achievable goals and celebrate their successes.
  • Model Responsible Behavior: Show commitment and responsibility through your own actions.
  • Show Interest:  Attend back-to-school nights, volunteer at school events, ask questions  about your teen’s education.
  • Keep Open Lines of Communication: Maintain ongoing discussions among students, administrators, teachers, and caregivers to address concerns and celebrate achievements.

 

Truancy can lead to isolation, low self-esteem, mental health issues, family issues, substance abuse, dangerous behaviors, academic problems, and more. Addressing it requires empathetic understanding rather than punishment. 

Using trauma-informed social emotional programs like Respectful Ways has proven to improve student attendance, with 20% less absenteeism by one of our partner districts.

Remember that National Attendance Awareness Month uses public awareness and collaborative strategies to help reduce chronic absenteeism -- which affects a students academic performance and their long-term outcomes. This means parents today need to collaborate with teachers, counselors, and professionals to address and unpack the underlying problems. Join edWeb's webinar on September 17th: Raising Attendance: Winning Family-Engagement Strategies from Dr. Karen Mapp and Anne Henderson.

Efforts and consistent communication from caregivers, teachers, and support staff are crucial to restoring a teen’s interest in education.

Author: Kim Celotto for Respectful Ways

Respectful Ways offers trauma-informed social-emotional learning curriculum for four age groups: PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Students engage with interactive, digital modules covering compassion, perseverance, respect and responsibility.

 

 

 

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