The parents have been accused of keeping their children away from lessons for at least 25 percent of the school year in Locri, in Italy’s southern Calabria region.

Seventy-eight parents were reported over their childrens’ absence during the past school year, while 87 parents were reported over the 2012/2013 academic year.

When contacted by The Local, Locri’s police chief was not immediately available to comment on the investigation.

A total of 88 children have been affected, aged six to 15, Il Lametino reported.

The absences were often down to the family’s poverty, with the children seen as a resource for the family. The truants were called upon to work and take care of their younger siblings, Il Lametino said.

Along with southern Campania and Sicily, Calabria is one of Italy’s worst regions for income and job prospects.