School Absenteeism According to High School Students and Teachers: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention Method

Öz

The purpose of this study is to identify the causes, consequences, and prevention strategies for school absenteeism based on the views of high school students and teachers. The study was conducted with 10 students and nine teachers employed in high schools in the center of Düzce during the 2023-2024 academic year. In the study, which used a case study design, a semi-structured interview form was used. The findings revealed that school absenteeism is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, including the student’s characteristics, family environment, and actions of school administrators, educators, and peers. Frequent absenteeism can lead to academic stagnation, social disengagement, and the development of harmful habits. For this reason, teachers should create a supportive classroom environment; work with families to identify violence early on; and encourage students to participate in positive social activities.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Dropout
• high school
• school absenteeism
• student
• qualitative research

Lise Öğrencileri ve Öğretmenlerine Göre Okul Devamsızlığı: Nedenleri, Sonuçları ve Önleme Yöntemleri

Öz

Bu araştırmanın amacı, okulda devamsızlık yapan lise öğrencilerinin ve bu öğrencilerin bulunduğu sınıfları yöneten öğretmenlerin bakış açılarından devamsızlık yapmanın nedenlerini, olumsuz sonuçlarını ve önleyici yöntemlerini belirlemektir. Araştırma, 2023-2024 öğretim yılında Düzce merkezindeki liselerde görev yapan 10 öğrenci ve 9 öğretmenle gerçekleştirilmiştir. Vaka çalışması tasarımının kullanıldığı çalışmada, yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. Bulgular, okul devamsızlığını, öğrencinin özellikleri, aile ortamı, okul yöneticilerinin, eğitimcilerin ve akranlarının eylemleri gibi çeşitli faktörlerin etkilediği çok yönlü bir sorun olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Devamsızlığın sonuçları bireyin ötesine geçerek aileleri ve daha geniş toplumu da etkilemektedir. Sık devamsızlık, akademik durgunluğa, sosyal kopukluğa ve zararlı alışkanlıkların gelişmesine yol açabilir. Bu durum, yetersizlik duygusunun olumsuz bir döngüsünü sürdürebilir ve nihayetinde okuldan ayrılmaya yol açabilir. Bu nedenle, öğretmenler saygılı ve destekleyici bir sınıf ortamı oluşturmalıdır. Ailelerle düzenli iletişim kurulmalı ve farkındalık artırılmalıdır. Şiddet olayları erken tespit edilmeli, öğrenciler olumlu sosyal etkinliklere yönlendirilmelidir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Okul terki
• lise
• okul devamsızlığı
• öğrenci
• nitel araştırma

Kaynakça

1. Akkuş, M., & Çınkır, Ş. (2022). The problem of student absenteeism, its impact on educational environments, and the evaluation of policies. International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies, 9 (Special Issue), 978–997. https://dx.doi.org/10.52380/ijpes.2022.9.4.957
2. Aldemir, E., & Yirci, R. (2025). Ortaöğretim öğrencilerinin devamsızlık nedenlerine ilişkin öğretmen ve veli görüşleri. Artuklu Humanities, 18, 83¬–107. https://doi.org/10.46628/ahu.1680487
3. Altınkurt, Y. (2008). Öğrenci devamsızlıklarının nedenleri ve devamsızlığın akademik başarıya olan etkisi. Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 20, 129–142.
4. Amalu, M. N., & Abang, K. B. (2016). School absenteeism among primary school pupils in Cross River State: Psychological implication for national development. Global Journal of Educational Research, 15(1), 49–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gjedr.v15i1.6
5. Ansari, A., Hofkens, T. L., & Pianta, R. C. (2020). Absenteeism in the first decade of education forecasts civic engagement and educational and socioeconomic prospects in young adulthood. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 49, 1835–1848. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-020-01272-4
6. Arlinghaus, K. R., & Johnston, C. A. (2018). Advocating for behavior change with education. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 12(2), 113–116. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827617745479
7. Atik, G., & Kemer, G. (2008). İlköğretim ikinci kademe öğrencileri arasındaki zorbalığı yordamada problem çözme becerisi, sürekli öfke-öfke ifade tarzları ve fiziksel özyeterliğin rolü. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 23, 198–206. https://izlik.org/JA64RZ59FG
8. Attwood, G., & Croll, P. (2006). Truancy in secondary school pupils: Prevalence, trajectories and pupil perspectives. Research Papers in Education, 21, 467–484. https://doi.org/10.1080/02671520600942446

9. Baker, M. L., Sigmon, J. N., & Nugent, M. E. (2001). Truancy reduction: Keeping students in school. Depatment of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
10. Balkıs, M., Arslan, G., &Erdinç, D. (2016). The school absenteeism among high school students: Contributing factors. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 16, 5–7. https://doi.org/10.12738/estp.2016.6.0125
11. Bell, A. J., Rosén, L. A., & Dynlacht, D. (1994). Truancy intervention. Journal of Research and Development in Education, 27, 203–211. Birioukov, A. (2015). Beyond the excused/unexcused absence binary: classifying absenteeism through a voluntary/involuntary absence framework. Educational Review, 68(3), 340–357. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2015.1090400
12. Birioukov, A. (2021). Absent on absenteeism: Academic silence on student absenteeism in Canadian education. Canadian Journal of Education, 44(3), 718–731. https://doi.org/10.53967/cje-rce.v44i3.4663
13. Brautsch, L. A., Lund, L., Andersen, M. M., Jennum, P. J., Folker, A. P., & Andersen, S. (2023). Digital media use and sleep in late adolescence and young adulthood: A systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 68, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2022.101742
14. Bridgeland, J. M., DiIulio, J. J., & Morison, K. B. (2006). The silent epidemic: Perspectives of high school dropouts. Civic Enterprises.
15. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press.
16. Cheung, W. W., Caduff, A., & Raj, A. (2023). The association between dating violence and student absenteeism among a representative sample of U.S. high school students: Findings from the 2019 youth risk behavior survey survey. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 38(1–2), 2218–2233. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221090564
17. Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (3rd ed.). Sage.
18. Çüm, B., & Çüm, S. (2022). Öğrencilerin akran zorbalığına maruz kalma sıklıkları ile cinsiyetleri, okulu/dersleri asma ve okula geç kalma davranışları arasındaki ilişkilerin incelenmesi. Erzincan Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 24(2), 352–362. https://doi.org/10.17556/erziefd.827526
19. Dağlı, M., & Can, E. (2023). Reasons for absenteeism among students in vocational and technical education. Gazi Journal of Educational Science, 9(2), 123–156. https://doi.org/10.30855/gjes.2023.09.02.001
20. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01
21. Değirmenci, G. Y., & Demircioğlu, H. (2019). Examination of international practices for reducing absenteeism through ecological system theory. Milli Eğitim, 48(1), 371–385. https://izlik.org/JA23XY33LP
22. Durborow, A. D. (2017). Factors contributing to the problem of student absenteeism in a rural school [PhD Dissertation, University of Arkansas]. Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
23. Eccles, J. S., & Roeser, R. W. (2009). Schools, academic motivation, and stage-environment fit. In R. M. Lerner & L. Steinberg (Eds.), Handbook of adolescent psychology: Individual bases of adolescent development (3rd ed., pp. 404–434). John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470479193.adlpsy001013
24. Enderle, C., Ricking, H., & Schulze, G. C. (2023). School absenteeism in Germany: A shift from punishment to support? European Education, 55(3–4), 148–171. https://doi.org/10.1080/10564934.2023.2257195
25. Epstein, J. L., & Sheldon, S. B. (2002). Present and accounted for: Improving student attendance through family and community involvement. The Journal of Educational Research, 95(5), 308–318. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220670209596604
26. Fan, X., & Chen, M. (2001). Parental involvement and students’ academic achievement: A meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review, 13, 1–22 https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009048817385
27. Finn, J. D. (1989). Withdrawing from school. Review of Educational Research, 59(2), 117–142. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543059002117
28. Fox, N. J. (1995). Professional models of school absence associated with home responsibilities. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 16(2), 221–242. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142569950160206
29. Fredriksson, U., Rasmusson, M., Backlund, Å., Isaksson, J., & Kreitz-Sandberg, S. (2023). School absenteeism among students in Germany, Japan, Sweden, and the United Kingdom: A comparative study using PISA data. Nordic Journal of Comparative and International Education, 7(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.7577/njcie.5034
30. Garcia, E., & Weiss, E. (2018). Student absenteeism: who misses school and how missing school matters for performance. Washington, DC: Economic Policy Institute, Report, September 25.
31. Gastic, B. (2008). School truancy and the disciplinary problems of bullying victims. Educational Review, 60(4), 391–404. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131910802393423
32. Geist, R., Grdisa, V., & Otley, A. (2003). Psychosocial issues in the child with chronic conditions. Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology, 17(2), 141–152. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1521-6918(02)00142-7
33. González, M. T. G. (2014). School absenteeism: Some possible actions from the school. Reice-Revista Iberoamericana Sobre Calidad Eficacia Y Cambio En Educacion, 12(2), 5–27. https://doi.org/10.15366/reice2014.12.2.001
34. Gottfried, M. A., & Kirksey, J. J. (2017). “When” students miss school: The role of timing of absenteeism on students’ test performance. Educational Researcher, 46(3), 119–130. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X17703945 Gökyer, N. (2012). The views of students on the causes of absenteeism at high schools. Kastamonu Education Journal, 20(3), 913–938. https://izlik.org/JA54JB97YM
35. Gubbels, J., van der Put, C. E., & Assink, M. (2019). Risk factors for school absenteeism and dropout: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48, 1637–1667. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-019-01072-5
36. Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2006). How many interviews are enough? An experiment with data saturation and variability. Field Methods, 18(1), 59–82. https://doi.org/10.1177/1525822X05279903
37. Hallfors, D., Vevea, J. L., Iritani, B., Cho, H., Khatapoush, S., & Saxe, L. (2002). Truancy, grade point average, and sexual activity: A Meta-analysis of risk indicators for youth substance use. Journal of School Health, 72, 205–211. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2002.tb06548.x
38. Haque, U. M., Kabir, E., & Khanam, R. (2024). Investigating school absenteeism and refusal among Australian children and adolescents using Apriori association rule mining. Scientific Reports, 14, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51230-4
39. Havik, T., Bru, E., & Ertesvåg, S. K. (2014). Assessing reasons for school non-attendance. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 59(3), 316–336. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2014.904424
40. He, C., Norton D., Temte, J. L., Barlow, S., Goss, M., Temte, E., Bell, C., Chen, G., & Uzicanin, A. (2024). Effect of planned school breaks on student absenteeism due to influenza-like illness in school aged children–Oregon School District, Wisconsin September 2014-June 2019. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, 18(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/irv.13244
41. Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of delinquency. University of California Press.
42. Hjelmér, C., Lappalainen, S., & Rosvall, P. (2010). Time, space and young people’s agency in vocational upper secondary education: a cross-cultural perspective. European Educational Research Journal, 9(2), 245–256. https://doi.org/10.2304/eerj.2010.9.2.245
43. Hoag, A. M. (2023). Chronic absenteeism: Exploring causes, impacts, and interventions in education. Culminating Experience Projects. 406. https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/406
44. Idrees, M. (2023). Absenteeism among medical students: a growing dilemma in our medical school. Journal of Medical Sciences, 31(3), 171–172. https://jmedsci.com/Jmedsci/article/view/1764
45. Ingul, J. M., Klöckner, C. A., Silverman, W. K., & Nordahl, H. M. (2012). Adolescent school absenteeism: modelling social and individual risk factors. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 17, 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-3588.2011.00615.x
46. Kaçar, T. (2024). Türkiye’de ve Fransa’da öğrencilerin okul terki ve devamsızlık nedenleri: Sistematik derleme çalışması. Eğitimde Kuram ve Uygulama, 20(2), 136–151. http://doi.org/10.17244/eku.1461466
47. Karlberg, M., Klang, N., Andersson, F., Hancock, K., Wreder, L. F., Kearney, C., & Galanti, M. R. (2022). The importance of school pedagogical and social climate to students’ unauthorized absenteeism– a multilevel study of 101 Swedish schools. Scandinavıan Journal of Educational Research, 66(1), 88–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2020.1833244
48. Kearney, C. A. (2008). An interdisciplinary model of school absenteeism in youth to inform professional practice and public policy. Educational Psychology Review, 20, 257–282. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-008-9078-3
49. Kearney C. A., Benoit L., Gonzálvez, C., & Keppens, G. (2022). School attendance and school absenteeism: A primer for the past, present, and theory of change for the future. Frontiers in Education, 7, 1–17. https://doi.org.10.3389/feduc.2022.1044608
50. Kearney, C. A., Dupont, R., Fensken, M., & Gonzálvez, C. (2023). School attendance problems and absenteeism as early warning signals: review and implications for health-based protocols and school-based practices. Frontiers in Education, 8, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1253595
51. Keppens, G. (2023). School absenteeism and academic achievement: Does the timing of the absence matter? Learning and Instruction, 86, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2023.101769
52. Kirksey, J. J. (2019). Academic harms of missing high school and the accuracy of current policy thresholds: Analysis of preregistered administrative data from a California School district. AERA Open, 5(3). 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858419867692
53. Klein, M., Sosu, E. M., & Dare, S. (2022). School absenteeism and academic achievement: Does the reason for absence matter? AERA Open, 8, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1177/23328584211071115
54. Krause, A., Rogers, M., Jiang, Y., Climie, E. A., Corkum, P., Mah, J. W. T., McBrearty, N., Smith, J. D., & Whitley, J. (2025). A longitudinal investigation of school absenteeism and mental health challenges among Canadian children and youth in the COVID-19 context. Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 4, 1604431. https://doi.org/10.3389/frcha.2025.1604431
55. Lee, K., McMorris, B. J., Chi, C. L., Looman, W. S., Burns, M. K., & Delaney, C. W. (2023). Using data-driven analytics and ecological systems theory to identify risk and protective factors for school absenteeism among secondary students. Journal of School Psychology, 98, 148–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2023.03.002
56. Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. SAGE Publications.
57. Mafa, D. (2018). Learner absenteeism in a rural, small town: A Case study of Kogma Great Kai. Educor Multidisciplinary Journal, 2(1), 2663–2349. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-13d2d562bc
58. Marlow, S. A., & Rehman, N. (2021). The relationship between family processes and school absenteeism and dropout: a meta-analysis. Educational and Developmental Psychologist, 38(1), 3–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/20590776.2020.1834842
59. Masando, M., Kuyela, K. M., & Kafumukache, M. E. (2023). An investigation into the causes of absenteeism among primary school learners in Lufwanyama District. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 4(10), 208–215. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.4.1023.102605
60. McLoyd, V. C. (1998). Socioeconomic disadvantage and child development. American Psychologist, 53(2), 185–204. https://doi.org/10.1037//0003-066x.53.2.185
61. Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
62. Ministry of Education. (2013). Ortaöğretimde sınıf tekrarı, okul terk sebepleri ve örgün eğitim dışında kalan çocuklar politika önerileri. Ankara: UNICEF.
63. Moser, A., & Korstjens, I. (2017). Series: Practical guidance to qualitative research. Part 3: Sampling, data collection and analysis. European Journal of General Practice, 24(1), 9–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/13814788.2017.1375091
64. Mukli, L., & Rista, A. (2022). Predicting and analysing student absenteeism using machine learning algorithm. Integration of Education, 26(2), 216–228. https://doi.org/10.15507/1991-9468.107.026.202202.216-228
65. Osuafor, G. N. (2021). Alcohol and drug use as factors for high-school learners’ absenteeism in the Western Cape. South African Journal of Psychiatry, 27, 1–7. https://doi.org.10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v27i0.1679
66. Önder, E. (2017). Student absenteeism in secondary education, absenteeism-related school practices and recommended policies. Education and Science, 42(190), 361–378. https://doi.org/10.15390/EB.2017.6447
67. Özbaş, M. (2010). The reasons of absenteeism in primary schools. Education and Science, 35(156), 32–44. https://doi.org/10.15390/ES.2010.859
68. Özcan, M. (2020). Student absenteeism in high schools: Factors to consider. Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools, 32(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1017/jgc.2020.22
69. Özeke Kocabaş, E. (2006). Parent involvement in education: studies in Turkey and in the world. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, 3(26), 143–153. https://doi.org/10.17066/pdrd.25963
70. Özgözgü, S., Güneş, H., Alyaprak, A., Arıkan, M. F., Günay, B., & Kanay, A. (2024). Liselerde öğrenci devamsızlıklarının incelenmesi. Journal of New Approaches in Education, 7(1), 63–95. https://izlik.org/JA89BD59NZ
71. Öztekin Bayır, Ö., & Aypay, A. (2021). Why aren’t they at school? An analysis of the student absenteeism among the high school students. Osmangazi Journal of Educational Research, 8(2), 180–198. https://izlik.org/JA85WG87HN
72. Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
73. Pehlivan, Z. (2011). Absenteeism at state high schools and related school management policies in Turkey (Ankara case). Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 15, 3121–3126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.04.257
74. Pianta, R. C. (1999). Enhancing relationships between children and teachers. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10314-000
75. Pounders, R. D. (2021). Preventing school absenteeism: the case for relationships [Master's Theses, Louisiana State University]. LSU Master's Theses.
76. Rençber, B. A. (2012). Factors which affect academic achievement of university students. Çankırı Karatekin University Journal of Institute of Social Sciences, 3(1), 191–198. https://izlik.org/JA88PF84XP
77. Sağlam, A., & Dönmez, N. (2016). Meslek liselerinde öğrenci devamsızlığının nedenleri ve olası çözüm yollarına ilişkin yönetici ve öğretmen görüşleri. Çağdaş Yönetim Bilimleri Dergisi, 3(1), 1–9.
78. Sasso, I., & Sansour, T. (2024). Risk and influencing factors for school absenteeism among students on the autism spectrum—A systematic review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-024-00474-x
79. Sälzer, C., Ricking, H., & Feldhaus, M. (2024). Addressing school absenteeism through monitoring: A review of evidence-based educational policies and practices. Education Sciences, 14(12), 13–65. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14121365Sirin, S. R. (2005). Socioeconomic status and academic achievement: A meta-analytic review of research. Review of Educational Research, 75(3), 417–453. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543075003417
80. Sivesind, K., & Wahlström, N. (2016). Curriculum on the European policy agenda: Global transitions and learning outcomes from transnational and national points of view. European Educational Research Journal, 15(3), 271–278. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474904116647060
81. Srivastava, M. (2018). A study of absenteeism in context of student’s discontent with the classrooms learning environment. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 6(2), 1096–1106.
82. Sutphen, R. D., Ford, J. P., & Flaherty, C. (2010). Truancy interventions: A review of the research literature. Research on Social Work Practice, 20(2), 161–171. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731509347861
83. Şahin, Ş., Arseven, Z., & Kılıç, A. (2016). Causes of student absenteeism and school dropouts. International Journal of Instruction, 9(1), 195–210. https://doi.org/10.12973/iji.2016.9115a
84. Teasley, M. L. (2004). Absenteeism and truancy: Risk, protection, and best practice implications for school social workers. Children & Schools, 26(2), 117–128. https://doi.org/10.1093/cs/26.2.117
85. Tedla, T., Anteneh, S., Nigus, A., Gelaw, A., Mohammed, M., & Tekle, A. (2015). The challenge of inclusion of children with physical impairment: Absenteeism in focus- a case study. Open Access Library Journal, 2, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1102009
86. Uzun, K., & Kemerli, Ş. (2019). Absenteeism reasons of high school students: the example of Fethiye district. Adnan Menderes University Journal of Educational Sciences, 10(2), 1–19. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/904449
87. Yıldırım, A., & Şimşek, H. (2021). Sosyal bilimlerde nitel araştırma yöntemleri. Seçkin.
88. Yıldız, M., & Şanlı Kula, K. (2012). Researching the reasons of students’ absenteeism in regional boarding primary schools. Journal of Cukurova University Institute of Social Sciences, 21(3), 433–446. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/50803
89. Yılmaz, K., Şahbaz, O., Demirciler, V., Alıç, U., & Koca, M. (2020). A qualitative research related to the students’ absenteeism reasons in Turkey. MANAS Journal of Social Studies, 9(3), 1440–1460. https://doi.org/10.33206/mjss.672506