WE-STAY

Truancy is a significant public health issue that affects adolescents in many countries. In the United States, studies have reported that up to 35 % of high school students missed one or more school days during a school year without permission. Research has linked truancy to mental health difficulties such as depression and suicidal behaviour, as well as social and behavioural problems including substance abuse, delinquency, and crime.

Many studies conducted in the United States have focused on legal or enforcement-based approaches to reduce truancy. However, research suggests that these approaches may negatively affect adolescents’ well-being and mental health because of the psychological distress they can cause.

The WE-STAY project (Working in Europe to Stop Truancy among Youth) aimed to collect epidemiological data on truancy among adolescents in Europe and to develop school-based intervention programmes designed to reduce truancy rates and support students’ mental health.

The project began in May 2010. A detailed intervention protocol and procedures manual were developed to support implementation. Evaluation and intervention materials were originally prepared in English and translated into six languages for use in the participating countries: Estonia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Romania, and Spain.

To improve accessibility for minority groups, the materials were also translated into Russian and Arabic for use in Estonia and Israel.