Innovative Hybrid Teaching Model Helps Address Sweden’s Rising Youth School Absenteeism

Sweden is confronting a significant increase in youth absenteeism from schools, with numbers rising by 50% since 2019. In the spring term of 2025 alone, over 7,000 children in 35 municipalities missed more than half their school days. Bona folkhögskola in Motala has responded by implementing a hybrid teaching model that allows students to attend classes in person, online, or switch between both options. This initiative aims to engage students who have struggled with absenteeism and support their reintegration into education.

A poignant example is 19-year-old Alva Ljungberg, who had dropped out of school but has now resumed her studies at Bona folkhögskola. Alva shared how absenteeism affected her during her school years before finding renewed motivation within this flexible learning environment. The school’s principal, Anneli Dahlqvist, stressed the importance of supporting these students, highlighting that they are vital to society’s future and should not carry the stigma of failure.

The shift to distance learning during the pandemic proved pivotal, as many students who previously struggled academically found they could thrive when given the option to learn remotely. Recognizing this, Bona folkhögskola now offers tailored attendance modes to accommodate students’ needs and preferences, reducing barriers to education for those who feel marginalized.

Amid these educational challenges, broader social issues faced by youths, such as mental health problems, family conflicts, violence, and economic vulnerability, continue to impact students’ well-being. For example, Bris, a Swedish support organization, received 62,935 calls from children in 2025 and noted an increase in discussions related to violence and economic hardship.

The hybrid teaching approach at Bona folkhögskola represents a proactive step within Sweden’s education system to tackle the growing absenteeism crisis by creating more inclusive and flexible learning opportunities that help students like Alva reengage with their education and future prospects.