Southeastern City Cracks Down on Student Absenteeism with Fines

In a bid to address the issue of student absenteeism, authorities in a southeastern city have introduced stringent measures, including the imposition of fines on parents whose children are frequently absent from school. The governor’s office has announced that parents will be fined a daily amount for each day their child is absent, with additional penalties for persistent absenteeism.

The decision to enforce fines on parents comes after Governor Hasan Şıldak’s directive to tackle the prevalent problem of absenteeism and ensure compliance with compulsory education laws. The governor expressed concern over the high rates of absenteeism among students in the province, revealing that approximately 10% of primary and middle school students, as well as nearly 20% of high school students, exhibit chronic absenteeism.

To improve attendance rates, schools are now required to send SMS notifications to parents after five days of a student’s absence. If the absence continues, an official warning letter will be issued to the parents on the tenth day of absence. These measures are part of a broader effort to address educational challenges in the region, particularly in Şanlıurfa, which boasts one of the youngest populations in the country.

Governor Şıldak emphasized the importance of finding effective solutions to combat absenteeism and ensure that every student has access to quality education. The fines imposed on parents aim to hold them accountable for their children’s attendance and underscore the significance of regular school participation in shaping a child’s academic success and future prospects.

By cracking down on student absenteeism through these penalties, authorities in the southeastern city are taking a proactive stance in promoting a culture of regular school attendance and emphasizing the value of education in unlocking opportunities for the younger generation. The implementation of these measures reflects a commitment to fostering a more engaged and responsible student community while addressing the underlying issues contributing to absenteeism in the region.