Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Make mental health an authorised reason to be absent from school

Closed 44 signatures

What the petition asks

Many young children and teens suffer from mental health conditions include depression, insomnia and anxiety. All of these can be affected by attendance at school, which can be overwhelming. Allowing students to be absent for their mental health would give them time to focus on their mental health.
We believe youth's mental health is not taken seriously enough, and many teens struggle with mental health conditions.

Allowing students of ALL ages to take days off for mental health, rather than having to take sick days, could not only benefit the student, but would also allow the school to keep track of those who are struggling.

We feel this could significantly help students who struggle with their mental health, allowing them to get the help they need without the pressure from a school environment which many struggle with.

Timeline

12 Jan 2023 Petition opened for signatures
12 Jul 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 44
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 12 Jan 2023
Closed 12 Jul 2023

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.