School Functioning: Clear Signs of Challenges in Children
No one in Norway has previously investigated school functioning among the youngest children with experiences of violence and abuse. In this study, parents reported data on behalf of 192 children (ages 6-12) who have been victims of violence or abuse. The figures showed that many of the children had high absenteeism and school challenges at a very early age.
Original title: School Functioning Among Norwegian Children with a History of Maltreatment
Authors: Sofie Øvstebø Næss, Børge Sivertsen, Mari Hysing, Anders Dovran, Stian Tobiassen, Gertrud Sofie Hafstad, and Kaia Kjørstad
Year of publication: 2025
Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence
Main Findings
- There was a clear correlation between exposure to multiple types of violence and an increased risk of poorer academic performance and high absenteeism.
- 1 in 10 children had eight or more days of absence in the past month.
- Only slightly more than 1 in 4 children had a formal decision for individually tailored education.
- The parents of approximately 1 in 6 children described major challenges in at least one school subject.
Summary
The study is based on parent-reported data on behalf of 192 children aged 6 to 12, all with confirmed experiences of violence and abuse. The findings show that children who have been exposed to violence and abuse, especially multiple types, have a significantly increased risk of poorer academic performance and high school absenteeism. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention in preventing negative consequences and contributing to a more supportive learning environment.
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