Experts urge police to prioritise student safety over truancy enforcement

Experts in education and child welfare have urged police forces across the region to redirect resources away from truancy enforcement, contending that such measures do not address the root causes of school absenteeism. Instead, they advocate for a collaborative approach where educational institutions and welfare agencies take primary responsibility for supporting students who are struggling to attend classes regularly.

Proponents of the revised strategy argue that police involvement in truancy cases can create barriers between students and the support systems they need to succeed academically. By shifting focus to genuine threats—such as exploitation, abuse, or coercion—law enforcement can better protect vulnerable young people while allowing schools to implement targeted interventions tailored to individual student circumstances.

Education authorities in several jurisdictions have begun piloting alternative frameworks that emphasise early identification of attendance problems and coordinated support from counsellors, social workers, and educators. These programmes aim to understand why students are absent and address issues such as bullying, family hardship, mental health concerns, or learning difficulties that may underlie non-attendance patterns.

The approach reflects growing recognition that punitive measures alone are ineffective in resolving persistent absenteeism. Specialists stress that sustainable solutions require a holistic understanding of each student's situation and access to comprehensive support services tailored to their specific needs.