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  • Education
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Why missing school hurts your tween and teen

Posted
A teenage boy with messy hair wearing a hoodie and leaning his face against his hand while lying in bed.

In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:

1. Why is missing school such a big deal?
2. Where can I get help?

Skipping school may sound fun, but it can have serious consequences, including court time for parents and even the loss of that cherished driver’s license for teens.

1. WHY IS MISSING SCHOOL SUCH A BIG DEAL?

Missing school as few as two or three days a month adds up quickly to nearly 10 percent of the school year. Missing that much time makes it harder for tweens and teens to learn the material, pass the required tests and graduate with their classmates. Research shows that students who miss 10 or more days during a single school year are 20 percent less likely to graduate from high school and 25 percent less likely to enroll in college.

Sometimes it’s tempting to stay home because a student may have too much work or doesn’t understand what’s going on in class. But missing a day only makes that worse.

2. WHERE CAN I GET HELP?

 If your teen is having trouble getting to or staying in school – issues with transportation, personal health, bullies, taking care of parents or younger children, etc. – talk with someone, such as a guidance counselor. You can also reach out to these local organizations for help:

School District’s Bullying Awareness and Intervention: 561-434-8200
Children’s Behavioral Health Collaborative: 561-366-9400
American Association of Caregiving Youth: 800-508-9618

And two final reminders for parents: First, good attendance is not just about complying with the rules. It’s about providing children with more and better opportunities to learn. Second, an “excused” absence is still an absence. If your child isn’t in his seat, he’s not learning.

SOURCES:

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Related resources

    • Other

    American Association of Caregiving Youth

    Based in Boca Raton, local support for youth caring for an ill, injured or disabled family member

    1-800-508-9618 Website
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    • Education
    • Safety

    School District of Palm Beach County

    Bullying awareness, prevention and resources

    561-434-8200 Website
    • Behavior
    • Education
    • Health

    School District of Palm Beach County

    School Counseling — fosters academic achievement, college and career readiness, and social/emotional development

    561-434-8233 Website
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    • Health
    • Parenting

    Children's Behavioral Health Collaborative - Palm Beach County

    A collaboration of five local mental health agencies that assess and treat children's serious behavioral, emotional or mental health problems

    561-244-9499 Website