Minister reports increase in student absences from school following recent riots across the country.

Introduction

BALLYMENA, NORTHERN IRELAND — Education Minister Paul Givan has raised alarm over a sharp decline in school attendance in Ballymena following several consecutive nights of rioting in the area. Addressing the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday, Givan described the situation as “outrageous,” revealing that many children have been left traumatised by the violence — with some even taking part in the unrest.

According to the minister, 84 new pupils at Harryville Primary School have not returned to class since the disturbances began. Meanwhile, attendance at St Patrick’s Primary has dropped to just 65%, a figure Givan called deeply concerning.

“The impact of these riots has gone far beyond the streets — it has reached into our schools, our homes, and the lives of vulnerable young children,” he told Assembly members. “This is not just a matter of public order. It is a serious threat to the wellbeing and education of our pupils.”

In a particularly distressing revelation, Givan stated that some pupils were found to have participated in the rioting, including attacks that targeted the homes of their own classmates. Authorities are currently investigating the extent of the involvement and the circumstances that led to children being drawn into the violence.

Local schools have reported heightened anxiety among students, with some families too frightened to send their children back to the classroom. Community leaders and educators have urged calm, calling for increased mental health support for affected pupils and families.

The Northern Ireland Executive is now facing pressure to implement measures to restore stability in Ballymena and provide immediate support to schools and communities affected by the unrest.