Over the past five years, Norway has seen a significant rise in student absenteeism, with the proportion of tenth-graders missing 20 or more days of school climbing from under 10% in 2019 to 18% last year. This alarming trend has caught the attention of local media and educational authorities, as they struggle to understand the underlying causes of such high absentee rates.

In response to this crisis, schools have implemented various strategies to re-engage students and reduce absenteeism rates. These include personalized support mechanisms, increased communication with parents, and initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and welcoming school environment. The aim is to foster a sense of belonging among students, which is critical in encouraging regular attendance.

Despite these efforts, there remains a knowledge gap within governmental agencies regarding the precise causes of school absenteeism. This lack of understanding poses a challenge for policymakers who are tasked with developing effective interventions to address the issue. The continuing rise in absenteeism indicates a need for further research and collaboration between schools and authorities to find sustainable solutions.