8+ Reasons Why Teenagers Quit School

Image: Shutterstock

Teenage is a sensitive period of life. There are many complex reasons teenagers could quit school. It is important to understand these reasons so that parents, teachers, and policymakers can develop interventions to support students who are at risk. The future of your teen depends on their academic performance and their all-around development in these early years. But teens quitting school is a stark reality. Teens deal with depression, anxiety, peer pressure, and many other issues. If left unattended, they can pile up into other major mental health issues that force them to drop out. As a parent, if you are worried about your teen struggling with school or friendships, it could be a smart idea to intervene and help them before they decide to drop out or quit school. If you wish to know some of the major reasons why teens drop out of school, this article is for you.

Why Do Teens Drop Out Of School?

Here is a list of the top eight reasons to the question why teens drop out of high school:

1. Alcohol and substance abuse

A lot of teenagers leave school and studies owing to drug addiction and substance abuseⁱA harmful pattern of consuming psychoactive substances, such as drugs or alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription drugs. . Alcohol addiction is also another reason that explains why teenagers drop out of school.

Point to consider

Frequent alcohol and substance abuse can often lead to the wrong side of the law. As a result, teenagers often find it difficult to come back and continue their studies.

2. Pregnancy

Image: IStock

Owing to the lack of parental supervision and emotional security many teenagers experiment with physical intimacy. Teen pregnancy is another major reason that leads to the termination of studies at a tender age.

3. Loss of interest

Image: IStock

Some teenagers develop a lack of interest in academics owing to several factors. Wealthy kids from rich families may feel less inclined to complete their studies. Some teens may quit their studies to pursue their passion for art and acting. The lure of fame and money becomes stronger as popular media greatly influences teenagers.

4. Economic hardship

In several developing countries, poverty forces a lot of teenagers to drop out of school. At times, teens who are good students and want to pursue higher studies fail to do so because of economic hardship. Financial difficulties may force them to quit education, explore alternative education options, or take up jobs to support their family. However, they will be unable to work and make a living while attending school, so they drop out.

5. Bullying

Image: IStock

Many teenagers leave school due to factors that sometimes remain mysterious to teachers or even parents. One such reason can be bullying by peers. Students with physical deformities or lack of abilities are often a subject of bullying at school. Such children develop an inferiority complex and eventually drop out of school. Being bullied constantly at school makes the experience unpleasant, uncomfortable, and at times unsafe, so instead, they choose to drop out to avoid it.

Sarah Anne, a lifestyle vlogger, cites many reasons behind her decision to drop out of high school at 16. However, she speaks at length about how bullying was one of the primary reasons for her to drop out of high school. She says in her YouTube video, “I was being bullied a lot, too; kids were horrible. I was the target of this dude, and anytime he would see me, it was like something went off in his head, and it was like, ‘I need to make fun of that one.’ I was the fat one out of my friends, and I was always getting picked on… I can absolutely remember what that felt like as a 16-year-old; it was so hard. I was self-harming as well because I did not think anything was going to get better for me (i).”

6. Sexual abuse

Some teenagers even face sexual molestation by teachers. The victim may find it hard to discuss this with others. Such a traumatic incident can take a toll on their academic performance and may make them quit their studies. They may have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)ⁱA mental and behavioral disorder resulting from exposure to a traumatic event or experience. and may be triggered by being on school property and seeing that teacher.

7. Special disorders

Some children are not handicapped or physically disabled. However, as teenagers they may develop certain disorders like dyslexiaⁱA learning disorder that may cause issues with reading and writing, and spelling. or ADHDⁱA neurodevelopmental disorder affecting the child's ability to pay attention, control impulses, and manage energy levels. . Teens who are suffering from these conditions often fail to focus on studies. Sometimes, the underlying problem may go undetected both by the teachers and parents, and the teens may face criticism for their poor performance at school. A lack of empathy and an inability to surpass their academic struggles may make them drop out.

Point to consider

In some instances, children drop out of school due to permanent physical injury as a result of accidents or due to the onset of critical/terminal illness. Once they discontinue, it becomes challenging for them to get back.

8. Family problems and violence

Image: IStock

Sometimes, teens end up bearing the brunt of family violence and divorce. Teens from broken families often find it hard to focus on their studies, pursue higher education, and get good employment opportunities.

9. Academic failure

Academic failure can significantly impact teenagers, potentially leading them to quit school. This outcome often stems from a complex interplay of factors triggered by poor academic performance. Repeated failures can diminish teenagers’ self-confidence, making them feel incapable of succeeding academically. The social stigma attached to failing can intensify feelings of embarrassment and isolation among peers, further discouraging continued attendance. The pressure to perform academically can cause significant teen stress, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that make school attendance challenging (1). Lastly, a lack of support from parents or teachers can worsen feelings of alienation and hopelessness, making quitting school more appealing.

What Are The Consequences Of Teens Dropping Out Of School?

Dropping out of school can affect various aspects of a teen’s life.

• It can lead to limited career opportunities and even unemployment. Individuals who have passed their high schools tend to have better career opportunities than dropouts.
• Dropping out can reduce earning potential. Thus, leading to financial instability.
• It has been seen that dropping out of high school often leads to an involvement in high-risk teenage behaviors such as early pregnancy, premature sexual activity, violence, alcohol, and drug abuse (1).
• If an individual drops out of high school, they may not be issued a driving license or an employment certificate in some countries, which may hinder personal and professional growth.

The effects of dropping out of school can cause issues beyond individual challenges. Often, these drop-outs contribute to a cycle of poverty and unemployment. They are also dependent on social services, which affects the stability and economic growth of the community. However, it is important to note that there are several dropout prevention programs and support systems, which students can utilize to complete their education.

How To Prevent Teens Dropping Out Of School?

The issue of teens dropping out of school can be prevented by implementing practical measures.

1. Mentorship programs can pair vulnerable students with positive role models. These mentors can guide and support teens.
2. Encouraging open and non-judgmental communication can help address issues early. These communications should be honest and should happen between parents, teachers, and teens regularly.
3. Regular tuition and after-school programs can help struggling students and address their weak points effectively. These programs can include personalized learning aids to help teens overcome obstacles and achieve good grades.
4. Identifying challenges early is also a good step in aiding potential student drop-outs. Teachers and counselors can have regular sessions with teens to identify signs of social, emotional, economic, or academic difficulties.
5. A supportive environment at home and school helps teens feel heard and connected. They feel free to approach the right authorities with their issues and have the confidence that the issues will get resolved.
6. Career counseling can motivate teens to stay in school. Schools can run programs that focus on practical skills and internships that allow teens a glimpse into the real world.

Infographic: Common Reasons For Dropping Out Of High School

Teens may consider dropping out of school for various reasons. Therefore, parents, teachers, and community members need to be aware of these issues and work together to support teens in staying and completing their education. The following infographic illustrates some common reasons for teens quitting school.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Reasons Why Do Teens Drop Out Of School

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Holly SchiffPsy.D.

Dr. Holly Schiff is an experienced clinical psychologist with around nine years of experience in the field. She did her Doctorate of Psychology in School and Community Psychology from Hofstra University and graduated from Fordham University.

Read full bio of Dr. Holly Schiff

Harshita MakvanaB.Com, PG Dip

Harshita is a graduate in commerce and holds a PG Diploma in Patent and Copyrights Law from NALSAR University. She has also pursued CA and has more than three years of internship experience in auditing. Her love for travelling has taken her to various parts of the world, and writing the travelogues was what brought out her love for content writing.

Read full bio of Harshita Makvana

Deepa ThomasMA (English)

Deepa Rachel Thomas holds a master’s degree in English from the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She has done a certification course in Child Development and worked as a mentor for young children at an NGO that focuses on helping children develop their language and soft skills.

Read full bio of Deepa Thomas

Kavita KankaniMBA, BEd

Kavita has a diverse background in finance, human resources, and teaching. She did her MBA in Finance and HR at Solapur University, and bachelor in Education at Pune University. After working for three years in the banking industry, Kavita took up teaching before moving to writing.

Read full bio of Kavita Kankani