Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Sexual Orientation

Year(s): 2017-2019

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified (School District)Percent
Reason for AbsenceGay / Lesbian / BisexualStraightNot Sure
Didn’t Miss Any School29.5%38.9%43.6%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)23.6%30.0%20.9%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.0%0.1%0.0%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep1.0%0.3%0.5%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.7%0.8%0.0%
Had to Work0.0%0.1%0.0%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend0.7%0.6%0.0%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.0%0.3%0.0%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.0%0.0%0.0%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.3%0.3%0.0%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.0%0.2%0.0%
Was Suspended0.7%0.3%0.0%
Other Reason7.2%8.4%9.5%
Two or More Reasons36.4%19.6%25.5%