The rise in school absences
School absences are on the rise. Ever since lockdown, we’ve seen young people skip school more and more due to worsening mental health issues. And there’s a pattern forming. Young people hit hardest by the cost of living crisis are also the ones missing the most school. We took a closer look at what’s leading to these so-called “ghost children”.
Student absences
Pressure building
The phrase “ghost children” has been used a lot in recent months to describe students who are absent more often than present. The conversation around these children mainly focuses on mental health and cost of living issues. However, there are many young carers skipping school who aren’t being talked about. 40% of young carers say they "never" or "not often" get help from their school, college or university to help balance their work with their caring responsibilities.
Raising school attendance starts with improving support for young carers. So that they can juggle school, college or university with their caring responsibilities. This will reduce attainment gaps and absences in schools.
More than one cost
The cost of living crisis has had a big impact on school attendance. Some parents struggle to send their children to school in clean uniforms. The child feels ashamed or embarrassed, causing them to skip school altogether. Sometimes, having the wrong uniform will get a child excluded.
The rising need for free school meals also plays a role. Some children don’t want their friends to know their family is struggling. They choose to miss school rather than their friends finding out they don't have anything to eat.
Mum might skip meals just so we can heat the house. - Sarah, 12 years old.
Some young people can’t afford bus tickets to get to school. Or they can’t afford sanitary products and stay home while on their periods.
Children in a cost of living crisis
The cost of living crisis means even more families are struggling to keep their children warm and fed. How are children responding to the rise in food and energy costs and what can the Government do to protect younger generations?
Greater risk of exploitation
Greater risk of exploitation
Children in families struggling to make ends meet feel like they need to help. Sometimes they are even forced into jobs by their parents. In recent months, children as young as 14 have been reported to be kept out of school and sent to work. These children are being exploited by their families. And they’re forced to prioritise work over their own education.
There are also children looking for ways to earn money for their families. Sometimes, the offer of a free meal is enough. Criminal groups lure children as young as 8 in with Subway sandwiches, sweets, and magazines. These young people are victims of exploitation, and giving them access to support can reduce the risk of exploitation.
Children at risk of exploitation
Mum wasn’t sending him to school because he didn’t have a coat, instead he was hanging around on the streets and therefore he was at risk.” Rachel, a practitioner.
Children already have enough to worry about. From making friends to getting their homework done on time. They shouldn’t have to worry about money too. We need to keep them safe from exploitation and give them every opportunity in life by giving them financial and emotional support they need.
