There is a link between school attendance and good mental health as this publication from the American Academy of Pediatrics points out. “Chronic school absenteeism, starting as early as preschool and kindergarten, puts students at risk for poor school performance and school dropout, which in turn, put them at risk for unhealthy behaviors as adolescents and young adults as well as poor longterm health outcomes.”
“Mental Health and Trauma: Though harder to quantify, many absences occur when children suffer anxiety and depression. Other students, dealing with the consequences of trauma from community violence or homelessness, will act out in class and be suspended. Still others will miss school because they are afraid of the violence they might face at school or on the way there.” Mapping the Early Attendance Gap: Charting a Course for Student Success is a joint publication of Attendance Works and Healthy Schools Campaign. The full report can be downloaded at: www.attendanceworks.org/ research/mapping-the-gap/