Ireland school absenteeism trends

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. The report finds that more than one in five students experience chronic absence, which is defined as missing at least 20 school days per academic year.

Several contributing factors were identified, including socio-economic disadvantage, disability, and socio-emotional difficulties. Higher risks of non-attendance were noted among children from lone-parent households, families facing financial strain, or those experiencing unemployment. The study also highlighted that disliking school has become a stronger predictor of absence than it was a decade ago.

Family dynamics and household environments also play a role. Findings suggest that maternal characteristics, such as maternal depression or mother-child conflict, are strongly linked to absence. Additionally, a lack of household routines regarding bedtime and breakfast, as well as harsher parenting styles involving frequent grounding or shouting, are associated with higher rates of absenteeism.