Irish school absenteeism rises post-pandemic, especially among disadvantaged pupils

A recent report by the Economic and Social Research Institute used longitudinal data from the Growing Up in Ireland study to track school attendance among children aged nine to 13. Comparing two cohorts a decade apart, the researchers found that chronic absenteeism—defined as missing at least 20 days per year—has risen to over one-fifth of pupils. The increase coincides with higher levels of socio-emotional problems and a stronger dislike of school.

Children from unskilled manual or non-employed families, financially strained or lone-parent homes, and those with disabilities or experiencing bereavement or addiction in the household are most affected. The study also notes that harsher parenting styles and lack of routine contribute to higher absence rates, while schools that involve students in decision-making see better attendance. Co-authors Emer Smyth and Anna Moya call for policies that address child poverty, mental-health support, and parenting services to curb the trend.