In recent months, the link between security and educational stability in Iran has faced an unprecedented challenge. The continuation of regional tensions and the provocations of the mullahs’ regime, along with fears of potential military conflict and the inaction of responsible institutions in ensuring psychological safety, have led many families to refrain from sending their children to schools and educational centers. This report examines the roots of this widespread absenteeism and its devastating consequences for the country’s education system.
Fear of Insecurity and the Emptying of Classrooms
Today, instability and anxiety overshadow daily life, and for many families, school is no longer considered a safe place. Following the escalation of tensions and growing concerns about external conflicts, parents face serious doubts every morning. They ask themselves whether sending their child to school under such conditions is safe or not. Field reports indicate a significant decline in student attendance in some educational centers. Although no official statistics have been published, the scope of this phenomenon appears to be extensive. Conversations with teachers and parents show that fear and distrust regarding the safety of the educational environment are the main concerns. Gradually, these worries have led to the normalization of student absenteeism across society. One mother says: “At first, even when the internet was cut off or had just been restored, teachers would take attendance on the Shad network (a government-developed educational application in Iran). It was clear who was present in class and who was not. But now even that is gone. It is as if it no longer matters whether a child attends class or not.”
The Painful Story of School Dropout Caused by Poverty in Iran
Educational Pressures Alongside Psychological Crises
The rushed nature of educational processes has placed additional pressure on students. They must cope not only with external stress but also with heavy homework loads and frequent exams. A mother says: “There is stress, falling behind, and too much homework. The child is truly under pressure.” The consequences of this situation are not limited to absenteeism. Students are losing their motivation to learn. When classes are repeatedly canceled and lessons are left unfinished, indifference replaces academic enthusiasm. Families are now forced to choose between education and safety. For many, the final choice is entirely clear. They believe: “Right now, the priority is protecting our children’s lives. If lessons fall behind, they may be made up, but a life cannot be brought back.” This phenomenon is spreading widely. Many parents are refusing to send their children to school.
Crisis of Quality and Bitter Memories of the Past
In addition to security concerns, the low quality of instruction is another factor contributing to empty schools. A lower secondary school student says: “The truth is, whether we go to school or not does not make much difference. The education system has become so weak, and many teachers teach with such low quality that our presence does not have much impact.” Teachers also confirm that students’ willingness to attend classes has declined. In a class of 18 students, sometimes only five or six are present. Some students work to support their families, while others lack motivation.
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Studies show that fluctuations in student attendance have led to a noticeable nationwide academic decline. The disparity in scores in the final exams of June 2025 clearly reflects this inequality. While the average score in District 6 of Tehran is 14.84, in Mirjaveh, a deprived city in Sistan and Baluchestan province in southeastern Iran, it drops to 5.26. This deep educational gap indicates widespread learning poverty within the current system. According to international statistics, 70% of Iranian students perform below the global average.
The combination of fear of war, bitter security-related memories, and structural weaknesses in the education system has distanced schools from their primary function. As families choose life over education in this painful dilemma, the silence and inaction of officials have deepened the scale of the disaster. Life versus education—which should take priority?
