A Swedish high school principal's decision to prevent 18-year-old students from reporting their own absences has sparked strong reactions. The policy, aimed at reducing absenteeism, requires parents to register absences instead. Critics argue it undermines the autonomy of legal adults, leading to a policy reversal after discussions with students and teachers.
Principal's Controversial Decision: 18-Year-Olds Can't Report Their Own Absences
Principal's Controversial Decision: 18-Year-Olds Can't Report Their Own Absences
Students who have turned 18 tend to skip school more often. Therefore, Principal Anders Sallman decided that their parents must register absences.
At the start of the new school year, Principal Anders Sallman sent a letter to third-year students in the social studies program at Rudbeck High School, as first reported by Nerikes Allehanda.
The message was clear: No students will be allowed to register their own absences—even if they are of legal age.
The reason is that students who have turned 18 have higher absenteeism rates than their younger peers.
“When you turn 18, absenteeism increases significantly, ranging from 20-50 percent at the group level in a year, affecting teaching and academic results,” says Anders Sallman.
Strong Reactions: “Tampering with the Law”
However, the decision has sparked strong reactions. In a comment to NA, the Swedish National Agency for Education states that there is no support for a school to provide information to parents about an adult student's absence.
In an editorial, Lars Ströman writes that Rudbeck High School is “tampering with the law.”
After discussions with both students and teachers, the school is now reversing its decision, the principal tells Expressen.
“Many young people have said: 'I think you are treating us as minors.' I don't think any 18-year-old wants the school to decide this,” says Anders Sallman.
Isn't it reasonable for an adult to be responsible for their own decisions and consequences?
“Of course. But that's a simplified view. If students want to take responsibility, they must show it fully,” he says, continuing:
“In March-April, students realize they have missed too much during the fall. Then they panic and want us to help them. Suddenly, the school is seen as unhelpful.”
He admits he “expressed himself a bit strongly” in the letter and that the school will now ask students for consent to allow guardians to report absences. Adult students who wish to handle it themselves will not have access to the absence system; instead, they must call the school when they are sick.