Study into high absenteeism shows many ninth and tenth graders stay up past midnight

Many ninth and tenth graders in the Maldives stay up as late as 04:00 am, according to a study by the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) into high absence from schools.

The findings of the study were shared by Dr. Aminath Shafiya, an assistant professor at IUM and the dean of Center for Research and Publications, during the Dh. Atoll Education Center’s Prize Day on Thursday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shafiya said that the IUM recently conducted a study on high absenteeism among teenage students.

The university questioned ninth and tenth graders at many of the schools in the greater Male’ area, as well as some from AA. Atoll, K. Atoll and HDh. Atoll for the study.

Shafiya said that the findings show many ninth and tenth graders stay up late into the night.

“They sleep around 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 or even 4:00. We are not talking about adults. We are talking about students your own age,” she said, addressing the students of the Dh. Atoll Education Center.

Shafiya said that many students stay up late into the night mindlessly surfing the internet.

She advised students to take a wiser approach and better manage their time so they get enough sleep.

Noting that the study was conducted in response to high absence from schools, Shafiya said that lack of sleep causes a myriad of issues such as unset stomachs, headaches and also affects the mood, prompting students to stay home instead of attending school.

In her speech, Shafiya urged students to take decisive measures to ensure a successful school life.