Lower Saxony Reports Highest Number of Student Detentions for Truancy in Germany

Recent data reveals significant variation among German federal states regarding the use of detention as a disciplinary measure for students repeatedly missing school. In 2025, Lower Saxony recorded the highest number of student detentions for persistent truancy, leading the nation in this approach to address school absenteeism.

According to a survey conducted across the federal states, several hundred minors were placed in short-term detention facilities due to unauthorized school absences. This form of juvenile detention is considered a measure prior to more severe youth penalties and is implemented under specific conditions for a limited period.

Lower Saxony stands out, with 241 male and 114 female students placed in detention during the first half of 2025. It is important to note that these figures also include students from Bremen, as Bremen does not operate its own juvenile detention centers and utilizes facilities in Lower Saxony for such cases.

Other states reported considerably lower numbers: Hesse registered 48 cases as of October 2025, Baden-Württemberg had 33, Thuringia 25, Schleswig-Holstein 14, and Saxony reported two instances of detention for truancy within the same timeframe. Meanwhile, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hamburg, and Saarland reported no current cases of student detention for truancy. Additionally, states such as Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, and North Rhine-Westphalia do not maintain separate statistics on this issue, while Saxony-Anhalt did not provide data in response to the survey.

The practice of detaining minors for repeated school absenteeism has generated debate among educational and judicial authorities. The justice ministry in Lower Saxony defends the use of detention as a valid method to influence student behavior and address persistent absenteeism. The ministry maintains that there are no substantial professional objections to the current sanctioning system.

However, educational associations have expressed concerns regarding the effectiveness of this approach. Some experts argue that detaining students for truancy may not address the underlying causes of absenteeism and could be counterproductive. Instead, they advocate for preventive measures, early warning systems, and individualized support to tackle the root issues behind school refusal.

Experts also point out that the number of students chronically missing school has increased in recent years. The trend is particularly noticeable among children from families with limited educational resources or socioeconomic disadvantages. These findings suggest that a comprehensive strategy involving educational, social, and psychological support may be more effective than punitive measures alone.

The ongoing debate highlights the diverse approaches taken by German federal states in addressing school absenteeism. While some states rely on detention as a deterrent, others focus on preventive and supportive interventions. The differences underscore the need for further research and policy discussion to determine the most effective and equitable methods to ensure consistent school attendance and support for at-risk students.