Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that mass non-attendance at school is COVID-related?

115 replies

ThatDearLilacBird · 19/08/2025 09:52

It seems like the impact of Covid is still lingering in terms of attendance. Whether it’s fear of getting sick, lingering health concerns or a change in routine during the pandemic, it feels like there’s a pattern of kids (and even parents) being less motivated to go back to school in full force. Has anyone else noticed this or is it just me overthinking it?

OP posts:
SusanChurchouse · 19/08/2025 10:05

My son always struggled with school but was at his happiest immediately post lockdown. The mitigation measures put in place to stop infection spread meant staggered break times (quieter playgrounds), one way systems (quieter corridors), a soft start and fewer visitors and interruptions during the day. He coped pretty well. It was the “return to normal” that did it for him, everything became too loud, too busy and too chaotic when he had become accustomed to the quieter atmosphere. He was out of school for 2 years, he just couldn’t cope. We’re still dealing with the fallout now.

So yes, Covid was a catalyst but not in the way most people think.

Original poster
ThatDearLilacBird · 19/08/2025 10:04

Letgoofmyblank · 19/08/2025 09:57

For many it’s violence related. They’re basically too traumatised by the endless, unaddressed violence in school to attend. If you had to go to work every day knowing that one of your colleagues was likely to start chucking chairs around would you want to go in?

That’s a part of it and makes me think it’s less about one root cause and more about an ecosystem that broke down. COVID might have been the match but things like school violence, mental health backlogs, SEND needs being unmet, and the weird flexibility of post-pandemic routines are all fuel on the fire.

OP posts:
Finteq · 19/08/2025 10:04

Pricelessadvice · 19/08/2025 10:00

People will still be blaming Covid in 20 years time. Humans love a ‘reason’ because it excuses them of responsibility for things.

Agree.

The government will be blaming covid for years to come.

Zippedydodah · 19/08/2025 10:03

KatyaKat · 19/08/2025 10:00

Honestly, yes. For me personally, pre-Covid, my kids were going to school unless they had been vomiting. I was brought up like that, a cold is just a cold type thing. But I'm a lot less strict on that post-Covid. If they wake up not feeling great with a cold, they can stay home.

The change in routine, and initially being told to absolutely not come in with a cold was a big factor there I guess.

That was 5 years ago ffs!
Or are you going to still have that attitude when the DCs are unable to get, let alone keep, a job?

Finteq · 19/08/2025 10:02

I think people need to stop blaming covid for everything.

It's gone.

People need to get on with life.

People don't attend school for multiple reasons. Covid would just be an easy excuse.

Cadenza12 · 19/08/2025 10:02

Pricelessadvice · 19/08/2025 10:00

People will still be blaming Covid in 20 years time. Humans love a ‘reason’ because it excuses them of responsibility for things.

Lifetime prospects will have been damaged, for some.

Pricelessadvice · 19/08/2025 10:00

People will still be blaming Covid in 20 years time. Humans love a ‘reason’ because it excuses them of responsibility for things.

Cadenza12 · 19/08/2025 10:00

I suspect that for some it made them realise that they didn't actually have to go to school. The ties had been severed. Students also got behind and have been unable to make up the knowledge gaps so checked out. The ramifications will be felt for a lifetime for some.

KatyaKat · 19/08/2025 10:00

Honestly, yes. For me personally, pre-Covid, my kids were going to school unless they had been vomiting. I was brought up like that, a cold is just a cold type thing. But I'm a lot less strict on that post-Covid. If they wake up not feeling great with a cold, they can stay home.

The change in routine, and initially being told to absolutely not come in with a cold was a big factor there I guess.

Topseyt123 · 19/08/2025 09:59

Where are you? Scotland?

In most other areas of the UK. It is still school summer holidays, so schools currently have a 100% absence rate.

I don't think most people give covid a great deal of thought anymore. Perhaps a little more in autumn or winter when seasonal vaccinations are due, but otherwise mostly not.

NewPinkJacket · 19/08/2025 09:57

Is there mass non-attendance?

In which areas and what are the statistics?

Letgoofmyblank · 19/08/2025 09:57

For many it’s violence related. They’re basically too traumatised by the endless, unaddressed violence in school to attend. If you had to go to work every day knowing that one of your colleagues was likely to start chucking chairs around would you want to go in?

FrenchandSaunders · 19/08/2025 09:55

That was 5 years ago!

Notmyreality · 19/08/2025 09:54

GRex · 19/08/2025 09:54

More likely due to it being the summer holidays.

🤣🤣🤣🤣

GRex · 19/08/2025 09:54

More likely due to it being the summer holidays.