Lord Cleveland Sewell, who previously investigated racial disparities in education, has issued a stern warning to parents about the increasing rates of school absenteeism among children. According to the Centre for Social Justice, 89 million school days were lost last year, a staggering 29 million more than in the 2018-19 academic year. Sewell argues that parents must not 'collude' with their children by allowing them to skip school for leisure activities, such as playing video games. He likens this behavior to 'low-level abuse' and insists that children should prioritize education by attending school regularly. The report he contributed to revealed that only 36% of white British boys eligible for free school meals achieved expected standards in GCSE maths and English, compared to 65% of all pupils. Sewell emphasizes the importance of parental involvement, particularly the role of fathers, in fostering a positive educational environment. He believes that both Conservative and Labour parties have neglected the needs of disadvantaged communities, leaving them vulnerable to alternative political movements. To regain trust, he advises focusing on educational opportunities for all children.