Further information around EBSA
1. How common is EBSA?
In autumn 2023, 20.1% of children and young people were persistently absent from school (Children’s Commissioner, 2024), however, it is difficult to determine the percentage experiencing EBSA due to the intermittent nature of some cases and a time lag in reporting cases.
EBSA is found to be equally common in males and females (Ingles et al, 2015; Kearney, 2008) with little link to socioeconomic status (King & Bernstein, 2001).
Young people who experience difficulties around attending schools are also seen to be more likely to experience emotional and mental health difficulties, such as anxiety disorders and depression (Ek & Eriksson, 2013; Finning et al., 2019).The most recent Mental Health of Children and Young People in England Report (NHS, 2022) states that among 11 to 16 year olds with a probable mental health disorder, they are less likely to feel safe at school and enjoy learning.