Ireland school absence rates rise since pandemic, ESRI report finds

New research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) indicates that school absence among children aged nine to 13 in Ireland has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic. More than one in five students experience chronic absence, defined as missing at least 20 school days per academic year.

Factors contributing to absence include socio-economic disadvantage, disability, and socio-emotional difficulties. Children from families facing financial strain, lone-parent households, or unemployment show higher risks of non-attendance. The report notes that disliking school has become a stronger predictor of absence compared to a decade ago.

Family dynamics also play a significant role. The study, produced in partnership with the Tusla Education Support Service, found that maternal characteristics, such as maternal depression or mother-child conflict, are strongly linked to absence. Additionally, a lack of household routines regarding breakfast and bedtime, as well as harsher parenting styles involving shouting or frequent grounding, are associated with higher rates of school absenteeism.