In Croatia, students miss over 40 million hours of classes each year, with an average absence of about 90 hours per student, indicating a complex issue particularly prevalent in high schools.
In Croatia, the alarming statistic reveals that students collectively miss over 40 million hours of educational instruction annually, averaging approximately 90 hours per student. While the majority of these absences are classified as justified, the increasing trend of avoidance particularly among secondary school students raises concerns among experts. The academic year of 2024/2025 documented a total of 40.2 million hours of absenteeism, of which nearly 39.5 million were deemed justified and around 700 thousand unjustified. This pattern mirrors previous years' figures, suggesting a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents.
Experts warn that these absences should be viewed as signals rather than merely a check of justification. The school medical service intervenes as soon as schools identify students who are frequently absent, regardless of whether these absences are justified or not, which underscores the importance of addressing educational disengagement early. The implications of such significant absenteeism are profound, affecting not only student learning outcomes but also raising concerns about mental health and social development, particularly in the vulnerable adolescent age group.
As the situation continues to develop, stakeholders, including educators, parents, and healthcare professionals, are called upon to collaboratively address this complex issue by implementing strategies that not only encourage school attendance but also support the well-being of students. The ongoing challenge remains navigating the fine line between recognizing valid reasons for absence and ensuring that students remain engaged and supported in their educational journey.
