Why Faking Illness to Skip School Can Backfire

Has anyone ever pretended to be unwell just to skip school? While the temptation to play hooky might be strong, the consequences can be severe. In this article, we explore firsthand experiences and learn why faking illness to skip school is not a wise choice.

Personal Experiences with Pretending to be Sick

One instance of such a scenario occurred when I, along with a friend, decided to fake being unwell one day. It was our first and last time doing so. The reason? My friend convinced me to give it a try. However, the resolutions that followed made me realize the folly of that decision.

We soon discovered that the repercussions of skipping school go far beyond missing out on fun activities and classwork. It's true that catching up can be a daunting task, but that's not the most significant issue. The guilt and regret of not being able to live up to the expectations of our hardworking parents came into play, making the consequences even more significant.

Reflecting on my experience, I noticed a pattern among certain girls in my elementary school who frequently pretended to be sick. They would often meet in a room with bunk beds to talk and cry in front of the teacher. Now that I think about it, I believe they were bullies. The dynamics among the 16 girls and 7 boys in my class were so divisive that 80 girls were in constant conflict with each other.

One of the key takeaways from these experiences is that you never know who is keeping an eye on your behavior. You might not be aware of the implications of your actions, such as job application checks or assumptions made by others due to your marked absences. It's crucial to avoid building a negative reputation and letting others stereotype you, as these impressions can come back to haunt you in the future.

The Impact on Academic Performance

Skipping school can also affect your academic performance. Personally, I found that going along with the crowd and settling for a pass mark (around 60%) was not fulfilling. It's far more satisfactory to aim for a higher grade (70-80%). Often, we succumb to group pressure without realizing the negative impacts that it will have on us both in the moment and in the future.

It's important to be mindful of the decisions you make and their long-term consequences. While skipping school might seem like a temporary escape from bullying, it's crucial to address the root of the problem. It's never a good idea to develop a habit of skipping, as it's only a temporary solution. Instead, it's best to talk to your parents and express your concerns. If they love you, they will find a way to help. Don't be ashamed to ask for help, as it's better for adults in the administration to handle the issue than for teachers to intervene.

Conclusion and Advice

Here are a few key takeaways and tips for avoiding the pitfalls of skipping school:

Avoid skipping school unless it's absolutely necessary, as it can harm your academic performance and reputation. Talk to your parents about any problems you are facing and don't be ashamed to seek help. If you are being bullied, skipping might temporarily provide an escape, but it's crucial to address the root problem. Be aware of the long-term consequences of your actions and the impact they can have on your future.

Remember, being smart and safe is key. Good luck and stay vigilant against the temptation to skip school!

Personal Note: I'm currently in Secondary Five (Sec 5) and on track to graduate in 2024.