In this blog post, we will share with you our top five excuses to not go to school during the Covid-19 pandemic. We will also talk about the long-term consequences of missing school. Parents can also find useful tips in this article.
Excuses to not go to school during Covid-19
Here are the top five excuses to not go to school during the Covid-19 epidemic:
- You are scared of contracting Covid-19 at school – back to school anxiety during Covid is genuine and reasonable. Children who are going back to school have to face major changes and the stress of an epidemic tops-up with the pressure of exams and doing well in school. This is a real fear that even adults share.
- You have contracted Covid-19 – There is not much to say here except that everyone at school will rather have you self-isolating than wandering around on the school premises and spreading the virus.
- You have recently been in contact with a positive case of Covid-19 – Whether it’s a family member, a colleague, teacher or co-worker, you have to stay in self-isolation for at least 14 days even if you have a negative test.
- You opt for homeschooling – In this case, you will have to come up with a whole plan on what classes you are going to take, whether all of them will be online, in short, you better have a plan!
- You heard that there is a positive case of Covid-19 at school – And it could be anyone: a classmate, a teacher, the janitor, somebody from the cafeteria… you wouldn’t want to contract the virus, wouldn’t you?
Is the coronavirus an excuse not to go to school?
Going back to school is already a reality in most countries. After the forced closure of the educational centres in the full course as a result of the state of alarm decreed in March 2020, minors and young people can now resume the course, months later, even if it is not in the same circumstances in which they left it.
The rules established by the central government are clear:
- mandatory use of masks for people over 6 years of age;
- hand hygiene at least five times a day;
- the frequent airing of the facilities;
- and the temperature of students and teachers will be checked when entering and leaving the premises.
These are some of the measures that must be complied with for all territories, although the dates for the start of the course and the attendance of the students fall into the hands of each autonomous community.
However, and despite the words of the epidemiologists, many parents still have doubts about the true risk that taking their children to school can pose and who even consider not doing so, betting that the current situation of a health crisis that we live in worldwide may be an excuse enough.
But what happens if you don’t go to school? The first thing to bear in mind is that in most countries schooling is compulsory from 6 or 7 years of age, so children under this age are not required to attend school, but rather it is “voluntary” for parents.
But for minors between 6 and 16 years old, education is compulsory, so children who are in that age range must be in school. What if the parents decide not to take them to school?
Well, in that case, they could have legal problems because the absenteeism protocol could be activated. In very serious cases, it could even entail penalties for parents that can go “up to six months in prison or a fine for failing to fulfil the legal duties of assistance inherent to parental authority.”
Alternatives to not go to school during Covid
However, we do not rule out the possibility of resorting to ‘homeschooling’ due to the fear of the risk of coronavirus infections and assume that, given the exceptional circumstances of the moment, there would be no punishment for parents who choose to educate their children from home.
Of course, before they would have to ask permission from the Ministry of Education to tell them how to do it, as well as to record that this child is being educated at home. It will be advisable to carry a record of the tasks that the minor is doing at home so that, in this way, everything is documented.
In the event that parents are inclined towards an intermediate alternative, such as online training, experts recall that education at school is “compulsory in person”, so the educational centre itself will have to study the possibility to teach the classes in a blended or distance way, according to each specific case.
The Consequences of Missing School
Absenteeism is the name by which we define the behaviour of a missing class without just cause or sustainable reason.
There are many adolescents who sometimes play truant, this behaviour can be something normal and not have more importance. However, in some cases, the absences become frequent, becoming the habitual thing not to attend class.
In these cases, steers are a major problem with serious consequences for the adolescent.
Causes of scholar absenteeism
The causes of scholar absenteeism can be varied and diverse, but they all follow a common trend. The adolescent perceives that he is older, he needs to feel older and feel responsible for his own actions and his own life. But they are not always prepared to exercise their autonomy.
In many cases, even if they want to, they are not responsible enough. The adolescent begins to miss class because he has not decided to attend and it is his way of reaffirming his decision-making capacity.
School is boring and attending class more, so they decide not to. At first, they are isolated behaviours, but little by little it can become a habit. Although they know that it is best to go to school, it is more pleasant to do other types of activities.
The factors that can contribute to the occurrence of absences to class are found in the family and school environment, although they are not decisive.
Consequences of missing classes
What happens if a child misses school a lot? When absences to class are too high and absenteeism is more than frequent, there are usually very serious consequences, such as:
- Drop in academic performance and poor grades.
- Unhealthy habits. When teenagers skip class, they spend their time on other activities that are normally unhealthy: the use of harmful substances, bad company, etc.
- Little or no development of autonomy and responsibility.
- Devastating consequences on your future work and even personal life.
For parents: What can you do when the child misses a class?
When absences become the norm it can become a problem for families who do not know how to act. No matter how hard they try, they can’t get their children to go to class, it’s all scolding.
- When the adolescent skips class, don’t downplay it. Sometimes we tend to think that it is not so bad. It is essential that from the beginning you let him know that it is his responsibility and that he has not complied with it.
- Let him know that he has done wrong and apply authority and positive discipline. Teens need limits and authority.
- Talk to them, listen to them and help them think. It is important to help them change their attitude.
- It is essential to develop responsibility from childhood. Don’t wait for adolescence.
- Educate with your example. If the adolescent observes that you make excuses to miss work, they will see it as something normal and will tend to do the same.
- Explain that being an adult implies being responsible and that by an absent class he behaves like a child and not like an adult.
- Pay attention to their attendance and absences to class, do not wait until the last moment. Talking to the teachers and the centre is the best option.
- Attack the situation firmly from the outset even if there are few fouls. It is best to do it before it is a more serious problem.
- Go to a specialist if you consider it appropriate.
- Encourage and reinforce him when he does not miss class.
- Show interest in their school affairs at all times, not just when there are problems.
Final thoughts
While it’s alright to miss school from time to time, don’t make a habit out of it! Going to school is not only about accumulating knowledge, but also about socialization, learning valuable life lessons and creating amazing connections.
It is impossible that all the classes we take at school are always entertaining. Because students have different levels of knowledge, it is very difficult for teachers to find the perfect level for everyone, that is, a level that is challenging, but not too challenging, for all the brains in class.
The important thing is that you as a student become aware of these two things: one, your brain likes challenges, like everyone else’s. Two: the challenges you like are those that, given your skills, knowledge and skills, seem novel but not impossible.
That is why, as you learn and accumulate knowledge, more and more you will like to continue learning. You will see. In fact, the thirst for knowledge is insatiable. STAY IN SCHOOL, kids!
If you have any comments or questions on the content, do let us know.
FAQ on Excuses to not go to school during Covid
What is a good excuse to stay home from school?
A good excuse to stay home from school is that you are sick and it is best to stay in self-isolation than to pass your sickness at school. Speak to your parents and they will probably agree with you.
How do I skip school without getting marked absent?
If you want to skip school without getting marked absent you have to give the teacher a sick note. Your parents/guardians should be the ones who sign the sick note.
Is it OK to skip class sometimes?
It is perfectly okay to skip class sometimes. When you are stressed or burned out it is understandable to need some time to recharge. As long as it is occasionally, it is alright.
How can I skip school grade?
To skip a school grade you have to send in a written request to the school principal. Make sure that you state the reasons why you have to skip a school grade.
References
Lifehack.org
Theclassroom.com
Healthofchildren.com
