NY parents should be fined for students chronic absenteeism: poll
Parents should literally pay the price for their student’s chronic absenteeism, according to a new poll.
More than half of New Yorkers — 52% — support fining parents for 10 or more school absences, according to a survey of 3,000 parents across the state by Test Prep Insight, an online education company.
The average suggested fine was $22.
52% of New Yorkers support the idea of fines as a deterrent against absenteeism, with an average suggested fine of $22 per day, the survey found. Getty Images
About 353,000 New York City students were chronically absent in the last full school year (2021-2022), The Post reported. Getty Images
For the 44% who opposed fines, concerns centered on the potential unfairness to those from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds, the survey said.
Among these respondents, 70% believe that schools or authorities should provide additional support for struggling students; 20% advocate for financial incentives for good attendance, and 10% suggest increased communication with parents to address absenteeism.
For the 44% surveyed who opposed fines, concerns centered on the potential unfairness to those from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds. UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
In New York City, four in 10 students, about 353,000, were chronically absent in the last full school year (2021-2022), The Post previously reported.
The national figure is 22%.