More parents than ever are seeking professional support to tackle persistent truancy, according to new research.
A survey of 271 family support staff at schools across the country found that children refusing to attend school was the primary reason for 24 per cent of parents seeking help in the last year.
Truancy has become a bigger issue for parents than aggression and violence, which accounted for 15 per cent of requests for assistance. Mental health issues accounted for 13 per cent and financial issues related to 9 per cent of cases.
Child behaviour experts said the survey exposes the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children’s mental health.
