Study advocates tough measures for high school dropouts

A University of Melbourne study has backed tough government measures to "coerce" early school leavers back in to education. Researchers investigated what happens to teenagers who leave school prematurely and what likelihood there is of them re-engaging in learning. The study - A Second Chance at Education for Early School Leavers - found the longer a teenager stays away from study, the less likely they are to return. Previous studies have shown kids who drop out of school have difficulty finding work, and often accept low paying jobs. Lead author Cain Polidano said this bolsters the case for "coercive measures" to make teenagers re-engage in study. "Already the Federal Government requires some school leavers to return to education before they can claim income support," he said. "Similar measures should be considered to further encourage a return to study.