Problematic school absenteeism (sometimes called "hemmasittande" in Swedish) means that a pupil regularly fails to attend school without a valid reason. It is a growing problem in Sweden, estimated to affect thousands of pupils.
Causes
Common causes include mental health issues (anxiety, depression), bullying, neurodevelopmental conditions, social difficulties, and insufficient support at school. Often, multiple factors interact.
Responsibility
The school is responsible for investigating and addressing absenteeism early. The municipality must be informed if a pupil has repeated unauthorised absences. Early interventions — an adapted school environment, student health services, cooperation with guardians — are crucial.