2023 Victorian primary school absenteeism rates remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, coinciding with increased school refusal and enrolments at Virtual School Victoria.
Absenteeism rates remain above pre-pandemic levels at Victorian primary schools, with students missing an average of 4.1 weeks in 2023. This coincides with a surge in enrolments at Virtual School Victoria, with health professionals referring 1072 students due to school refusal in 2023, up from 386 in 2018. The school's submission to the senate inquiry highlights the pervasive nature of school refusal, with decreasing attendance leading to social anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
July 14, 2024
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