Tackling Student Absenteeism: Rekindling Passion and Fostering Responsibility

Abu Dhabi's education department is cracking down on student absences and tardiness as schools report these issues directly impact academic performance and classroom discipline. New policies for the 2025-2026 school year set clear limits: students can miss only 5% of school days (about 9 days annually) before triggering intervention measures that start with warnings and can escalate to formal written notices.

The education authority recognizes eight valid reasons for absence: illness, pre-scheduled medical appointments, family deaths, official government appointments, competition participation, official holidays, approved study leave for exams, and government-ordered closures. But family vacations during school time, staying home without notice, non-emergency medical appointments, and normal weather conditions don't make the cut.

School principals say even excused absences don't get students off the hook for missed work or tests. Fuad Al-Marsoui, a school director, explains that students can miss up to three consecutive days or 12 days total per year with proper parent notification. After the fourth day, families need official medical certificates from Abu Dhabi's health department. Beyond 12 days requires detailed medical reports.

"The goal isn't punishment but building awareness and discipline," Al-Marsoui says. "Frequent absences hurt academic achievement and create challenges for students trying to keep up with lessons."

For tardiness, schools follow a graduated response system. Lamia Al-Najjar, another school principal, says acceptable delays with valid reasons like health issues or family emergencies require official parent documentation. But repeated unexcused tardiness gets treated as a behavioral violation, starting with verbal warnings, then parent notification, and potentially escalating to written warnings or disciplinary action.

Parents acknowledge their role in the equation. Um Mohammed Al-Shamsi says families bear primary responsibility for daily attendance monitoring and timely school notification when absences occur. "Students need to learn that missing school isn't casual - it's a serious responsibility," she explains.

Um Ali Al-Tunaiji emphasizes that unexplained absences signal problems requiring early intervention. She maintains daily contact with her children about classes and assignments while staying connected with teachers to catch issues quickly.

But students reveal their own perspectives on skipping school. Othman Ali admits to missing Fridays because the shortened four-period schedule often involves review rather than new material. "Teachers usually just go over the week's lessons or give us time for online platform work, so it doesn't feel as necessary as other days."

Mohammed Al-Zayoudi points to peer influence, saying friends sometimes coordinate group absences on light days without tests. "It feels normal when everyone agrees to it."

Psychologist Fatima Al-Sarayra identifies deeper issues behind unexplained absences. Fear of failure drives many students to avoid evaluation or embarrassment rather than face potential setbacks. Home pressures like high parental expectations or family conflicts can push students toward unconscious excuse-making as expressions of distress or pleas for relief.

She also notes that students lacking motivation or purpose in their learning lose commitment and seek ways to avoid obligations. Social anxiety disorders make classroom interaction or public speaking terrifying for some students, who prefer absence over stress-inducing situations.

The policy changes reflect growing recognition that consistent attendance forms the foundation of educational success, but addressing underlying causes - from family dynamics to mental health support - remains equally important for long-term solutions.