[School absenteeism as a red flag]

School attendance is essential for children and adolescents and plays a vital role in their cognitive, social, physical, and mental health. Extensive school absenteeism is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes, both in the short and long term. The MASS intervention focuses on the early identification of school absenteeism following reports of illness-related absences by schools. Currently, a structural pathway for signalling school absenteeism from within curative healthcare is missing. As a physician, it is important to address school absenteeism when consulting with children or adolescents and their parents. Consider school attendance as a routine aspect of overall health, and be aware that psychosocial problems often underlie significant absenteeism. If concerns arise, actively collaborate with the youth health professional as part of an integrated care approach.