Increase in Fines for School Absenteeism Observed in Brandenburg

Brandenburg is witnessing a significant rise in fines imposed for illegal school absenteeism. Recent reports indicate that in the first half of the current academic year, the number of initiated fine proceedings has reached 132, as confirmed by the state's Ministry of Education. This contrasts sharply with the previous academic year, which recorded a total of 153 such cases.

According to Brandenburg's educational legislation, parents or adult students may face fines if a school-aged child repeatedly fails to attend classes. Fines can escalate to as much as EUR2,500. However, authorities typically explore alternative solutions before resorting to penalties. The schools, local education authorities, and youth services engage in discussions with students and their families to address the issue, seeking both remedial measures and clarifying the consequences of non-compliance with school attendance laws.

In the previous academic year (2023/2024), there was already a noted increase in the number of students absent from school. Approximately 9,300 instances of school absence were reported, a rise from about 7,800 the year before. This figure is starkly higher than the pre-pandemic statistics from the 2018/2019 academic year, which recorded fewer than 6,500 chronic absentees.

The variations in absenteeism are categorized differently by the Ministry. The classifications include 'school disillusioned,' defined as students with more than two unexcused absences in three months; 'regular absentees,' who miss over five days; and 'intensive absentees,' who are absent for more than 20 days without valid excuses within the same timeframe.

Of the total student population in Brandenburg, around 1,700 fall into the category of intensive absentees, accounting for less than one percent. Meanwhile, regular absentees and school disillusioned students together comprise about three percent of the overall student body, which translates to roughly 7,500 cases.

This situation raises concerns regarding student engagement and attendance in schools, prompting educational authorities to consider more effective strategies to combat absenteeism and encourage school attendance.