ONLINE bullying could be linked to declining student attendance, researchers found today as the National Education Union (NEU) demanded institutions listen to their pupils.

Students, parents and schools feel wellbeing has been a “major factor” in rising absences since the pandemic, according to National Foundation for Educational Research findings.

More than half of those surveyed (51 per cent) said poor pupil mental health or wellbeing was a key reason they believed school absence rates have increased, while 52 per cent said it could be due to the higher cost of holidays outside of term time.

The survey also revealed 66 per cent of respondents cited increased social media usage, as pupils in focus groups pointed to increased bullying online as a key factor.

Researchers said issuing fines for non-attendance was generally unhelpful.

NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede highlighted an emphasis in pupil’s responses on “academic and social pressures of school” which they said harmed their wellbeing, as well as “bullying — including online — as a factor in absence.”

“Schools must listen to pupils and act on their concerns, including on curriculum and testing pressures,” he said.

Mr Kebede pointed to OECD data which showed English students report more instances of bullying than the international average.

“A more inclusive mainstream depends on pupils feeling safe and supported. Yet pupils with an education, health and care plan are twice as likely to be persistently absent as their peers, a gap the report does not address,” Mr Kebede added.

He called on new Education Secretary Lucy Powell to “connect attendance policy, Send reform and investment in young people’s mental health, so that every pupil belongs in a safe and supportive school” to reverse the decline in wellbeing.