Students skipping school increases by ten percent in Norway over the past decade

The number of students skipping school has increased by ten percent over the past decade. Students at Blindheim Middle School describe this development as unexpected. A recent survey shows that more and more middle school students are choosing to skip classes, with a growing number expressing anxiety about attending school. Ten years ago, 20 percent of students reported having skipped school in the past year; today, that figure is 30 percent. Overall satisfaction with the school environment has dropped by eight percentage points during this period.

Madelen Kloster, leader of the Student Organization, emphasizes the need for a genuine effort to strengthen the support system around students to ensure a safe school environment for all. The School Leaders’ Association has also called for increased funding for schools.

Many students, however, feel differently. Alva Holen Jansson, a 10th grader, expressed surprise at the skip rates, saying she hasn’t experienced this at her school. Her classmate Emilie Strand Blindheim noted that they have a close-knit group where everyone gets along.

The national survey for 2024 reveals escalating challenges among students, with 18 percent unhappy with their school experience. While overall satisfaction remains high at 84 percent, issues such as skipping classes, particularly among middle school girls, are on the rise, with seven out of ten students saying they feel bored during class.

Kloster attributes the increasing anxiety around school to rising bullying rates, highlighting the urgent need for reforms. Klara Fromm, another 10th grader, believes that more individualized attention and dynamic activities could improve the school atmosphere.

School leaders continue to stress the importance of adequate resources, as budget cuts threaten quality education. As students reflect on their experiences, many share ideas for creating a more supportive educational environment.