The commissioner for children and young people has said he is very concerned about school absenteeism in Northern Ireland.
Chris Quinn also said it had been a mistake to cut school psychologists and counselling services.
Attendance statistics for 2021-22 in Northern Ireland show that almost 10% of school days were missed by pupils due to absence.
Mr Quinn said education would be a key priority for him as commissioner.
"The numbers [of absenteeism] are increasing, so what we're trying to do right now is work with the Education Authority and the Department of Education to find out why," said Mr Quinn.
"We need to find out why these children and young people aren't returning to school.
"We need to ask questions in regards to their support needs and if they're being met or not.
He raised concerns about whether the current education system was meeting the needs of children.
"I know that education psychologists, we have less of them now, I know that mental ill health is an increasing issue particularly since Covid and I would argue that we need to support children and young people much more adequately in terms of their well-being."
