Understanding Truancy - A Parent Resource

Working with you in support of your child’s future.


What is Truancy?

A student is considered truant when a student is tardy or absent from school without a reasonable excuse from the parent or guardian or leaves school without the permission of a teacher or  principal. 

The impacts of chronic truancy can:

  • Jeopardize a student’s academic success, including graduation
  • Increase the likelihood of a student dropping out of school
  • Lead to future underemployment
  • Increase the likelihood of delinquent activity including alcohol, drugs, and criminal activity

truancyWhy are students truant from school?

There are many potential reasons for truancy which can include;

  • Oversleeping
  • Unhappiness, worry or fear
  • Rebellion
  • Lack of interest in school
  • Lack of a positive connection to school
  • Lack of academic success 
  • Negative peer relationships including having older or non-school orientated friends (research indicates that 84% of truant students have friends who also skip school)
  • Bullying issues
  • Difficulties at home (stress, divorce, student is required to be at home to babysit for working parent, etc.) 
  • Alcohol or drug usage

What can I do?

Talk:

  • Talk with your child about any problems that they may be having at school
  • Have regular contact with school administration regarding your child’s attendance and schooling
  • Discuss with your child the role that education plays in future life success
  • Know school hours and attendance policies
  • Speak with your family doctor or a counselor if you have questions or require support regarding your child’s attendance

Get Involved:

  • Intervene early if you are concerned about your child’s attendance. Missing school can be a slippery slope. The longer a child is out of school the more difficult it becomes for that child to return to school.
  • Refuse to be complicit in excusing unacceptable absences
  • Set firm expectations for school attendance
  • Make it less rewarding to be at home. If your child knows that they can stay home and play video games, the incentive to stay at home is greater than the incentive to be at school
  • Praise and reward good attendance

Be alert:

  • Look for signs that your child does not feel that school is important
  • Be aware of patterns of non-attendance (for example, is your child regularly missing certain days of the week or particular classes?) 
  • Note if your child is suddenly “sick” all of the time during the school week
  • Be aware of changes in behavior or academic performance

Plan:

  • Children with attendance problems often have difficulty returning to school after a prolonged break. Create a plan with school staff on how to successfully transition your child back to school after weekends, holidays or other school breaks
  • Plan appointments for the end of the school day. If a child must attend an appointment during the day, return the child to school unless directed otherwise by a doctor
  • Maintain a regular schedule (homework, bedtime, morning routine)

How we can help:

Your school team can connect you with school and community resources to determine and address the root cause of your child’s truancy to improve student success at school and throughout their lives.

Good Attendance Should Be Everyone’s Priority

Good Attendance:

  • Improves student’s chances of achieving to their academic potential and likelihood of graduating by ensuring that vital school work is completed on time
  • Prepares students well for tests and exams
  • Increases feelings of self-esteem and confidence
  • Helps kids develop healthy social lives

Being positively connected to school keeps communities and kids safe by acting as an important protective factor.

Who do I call if I’m concerned about truancy?

Please contact your school’s Administration team, or Family School Liaison Worker.