Alarming increase in truancy in Lower Saxony!

Alarming increase in truancy in Lower Saxony!

Compulsory schooling in Germany has existed since 1919 and yet truancy is a very current issue. In Lower Saxony in particular, the number of truants is increasing significantly Delmenews reported. Schools can now take drastic measures if students repeatedly have unexcused absences. Repeated absences result in fines of up to 1,000 euros; The numbers for fines have increased significantly in recent years. Cases rose by 14% in Hanover, 20% in Osnabrück, 22% in Oldenburg and even 31% in Göttingen.

Regular police checks are already commonplace in Oldenburg in order to pick up young people who are not in school and inform them accordingly. Most of the time, the young people can return to their classes without police escort. But the reasons behind these numbers are often worrying. It turns out that many young people suffer from the pressure of bullying, family problems or an unfavorable school environment. In addition, the isolation of young people has increased since Corona, which contributes to truancy, which should not be underestimated.

Complex causes and offers of help

The reasons for truancy are complex and are often related to socially difficult or educationally disadvantaged circumstances. Many young people have an attitude of refusal that has nothing to do with laziness, but rather is rooted in a lack of support. An example is the case of Liam, who skipped school for months because of bullying and received fines of 900 euros for his absences. He had to do community service to pay off the fine, but was ultimately able to do so with the support of the “Die Brücke e.V.” association. from Delmenhorst to get his school leaving certificate and is now aiming to train as a landscape gardener, says NDR.

“The Bridge e.V.” offers targeted support measures for young people affected by school failure. With around 50 to 60 new members each year, the club aims to strengthen young people's self-esteem and help them complete their school qualifications. Work is also being done here on integration into social communities in order to overcome the isolation that many young people experienced during and after the corona pandemic.

Impact on society

The increasing number of school dropouts is not only causing problems for schools, but is also putting a strain on the entire education system. Loud Deutschlandfunk There are always over 50,000 school dropouts in Germany, which accounts for around six percent of young people. These lost educational opportunities can have long-term economic and social consequences. Young people without a formal school qualification have a difficult time in the labor market, which not only affects them but also society as a whole, as lack of education can lead to loneliness, health problems and enormous strain on public budgets.

When it comes to solutions, the need for binding regulations and early intervention becomes clear. Home visits, the involvement of counseling centers and preventative programs such as “Every school day counts” could help stop the numbers from skyrocketing further.