6,871 Students with Long-Term Unexcused Absences in March... 20 Under Investigation for Suspected Child Abuse

On the 23rd, the Ministry of Education held the 5th Social Relations Ministers' Meeting at the Government Seoul Office and announced the results of the "Joint Survey on Long-term Unexcused Absence Students."

This survey was conducted for the first time in accordance with the "Measures to Strengthen the Management of Long-term Unexcused Absence Students" announced on March 17, targeting kindergarten, elementary, middle, and special school students who had been absent from school for 7 or more days in March without approval. The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the National Police Agency jointly conducted the survey.

As a result of the survey, among 6,871 long-term unexcused absence students, signs of child abuse crimes were found in 20 cases, and investigations are underway (4 cases referred, 16 under investigation).

In addition, this survey identified not only students who were victims of abuse but also at-risk students requiring various growth support, providing 1,943 cases of educational, psychological/emotional, and case management support through schools, education offices, and local governments.

Going forward, the Ministry of Education plans to regularize safety checks for long-term unexcused absence students twice a year to protect students from risks such as child abuse, and will continue active support for recovery from harm, including learning, counseling, and treatment, through cooperation with related organizations such as schools, education offices, and local governments.