truancy

Truancy refers to the act of a student being absent from compulsory schooling without an approved reason during instructional time. It is often distinguished from excused or permitted absences, such as illness or family emergencies, and from suspensions or withdrawals. Truancy is usually addressed within a jurisdiction's education or attendance policy.

Measurement varies by country and district. In many places, the term truancy describes unexcused absences. Some systems also track chronic absenteeism, defined as missing a substantial portion of days, commonly 10% or more over a monitoring period, for any reason. Data on truancy is used to identify at-risk students and school-wide attendance patterns.

Causes and risk factors include poverty and family instability, chronic health problems, mental health, transportation barriers, language barriers, school climate, bullying, and disengagement from learning. Protective factors include positive student–teacher relationships, school connectedness, supportive family involvement, and early intervention.

Consequences of truancy at the individual level include lower academic achievement, increased risk of grade retention or dropping out, and later socioeconomic effects. School-level consequences can include disrupted instruction and the need for individualized outreach. At times, truancy is linked to increased contact with juvenile justice systems or child welfare services, though causal relationships are complex.

Responses emphasize early identification, outreach to families, and supportive services. Common strategies include attendance interventions, case management, home visits, flexible scheduling, transportation assistance, tutoring, mentors, and alternative education options. Some jurisdictions impose sanctions on families or students for continued truancy, while many policies focus on preventing truancy through engagement and support rather than punishment.