Back Share Home About About Why some children are missing from school Increasing numbers of young people are missing from education, not because they are not interested in learning or have been excluded from school, but because they suffer from severe depression and social anxiety. What causes this state of mental trauma differs between individuals. Bullying, abuse, mental health problems or life-long conditions are among the most common causes that lead young people to hide in their bedrooms. There, they isolate themselves from the company of others, from school and from society. This causes a downward spiral of social isolation, marginalisation, missed education and deteriorating mental ill-health. They become 'hidden' at home and their voices are ignored. They risk not finding their place in the adult world. Red Balloon is an alternative to school which enables young people to re-engage with education. We have both physical and virtual Centres to best meet students needs.