Millions of students across the U.S. are skipping school, with mental health struggles emerging as a key factor behind chronic absenteeism. A new University of Southern California study reveals that absenteeism and lower academic performance are increasingly linked to mental health challenges, particularly for pre-teen boys and teenage girls.
Why it matters: The rise in absenteeism, which has more than doubled since the pandemic, threatens the academic and social development of students. Schools are becoming frontline responders to this crisis, but disparities in access to mental health services persist, especially for lower-income and minority students. [The Associated Press]
By the numbers:
- 28%: Chronic absenteeism rate in 2022, up from 15% in 2018.
- 75%: Parents who report satisfaction with school-based mental health services when available.
- 22%: Low-income students at schools with mental health services who report using them.
The catch: Schools that serve students who are predominantly Black and from lower-income families are less likely to offer mental health resources. However, when available, these students are the most likely to use and benefit from them.
What they’re saying: “Our findings show how the three main crises in schools post-COVID—absenteeism, student learning difficulties, and mental health—are closely connected. We hope the findings are a wake-up call for legislators and leaders thinking about what needs to be done to get kids back on track,” said University of Southern California professor Morgan Polikoff.
What’s next: As absenteeism rates continue to climb, experts are calling for targeted interventions that address both academic and mental health needs simultaneously. Expanding mental health services in schools and ensuring equitable access could be critical steps in reversing these trends. [The Conversation]
