How can I handle a teenager who indulges in truancy?

1. 61

   elvitposted 14 years ago

   How can I handle a teenager who indulges in truancy?

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2. 60

   Tom Tposted 14 years ago

   Can you threaten to go to school with him/her and sit through the classes.  I can think of no more humiliating thing for a teen than to have a parent be there during school.  Probably need the school's cooperation though.

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3. 53

   Connor Parxposted 14 years ago

   Firstly you need to identify whether this is truancy, ie goes to education, then 'bunks off' or is a school refuser that is, point blank refuses to attend in the first place.
   
   The later is more indicative of deeper underlying problems that may stem from poor self worth, fears genuine or otherwise of bullying, poor relationships with other students/staff etc, whilst the former is more suggestive that the young person doesn't always see the relevancy of the education provided in all or part and/or ~ if playing truant with another(s) ~ is susceptible to peer pressure.
   
   Either way, the root cause needs to be identified and addressed for a longer term positive outcome rather than short term 'dragging them there'.
   
   If the problem is of recent origin it will be easier to resolve than if it has been ongoing for sometime, as new patterns of behaviour will have embedded in the teenager's perception of what is acceptable, and those will need to be 'relearned' as well as challenging the original cause.
   
   Open dialogue is the best place to start, but not necessarily with the adult carer, perhaps with the person the young person has an open relationship with; sibling, aunt/uncle/grandparent/other.
   
   Whilst the issue has to be handled sensitively, a degree of firmness is also required with the young person having clear expectation of their behaviour but perhaps linked to a 'contractual carrot' ~ a limited reward not for going to school, thats required in any event, but for facing up to and addressing the original causes of concern.

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4. 57

   fundermentalistposted 14 years ago

   Don't be too harsh on the child, apply wisdom. call him to the closest and let him be aware of the danger inherent in being truant, the effect on his life, education, and carrier.
   
   http://childtraininginfo.com/

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5. 60

   rweltonposted 14 years ago

   The short answer is:
   
   Duct Tape.
   
   The long answer is:
   
   ... more involved - there are loads of free counseling connections available to address issues at school they are trying to avoid. 
   
   In an adult it is witnessed by "calling in sick" frequently or just not getting out of bed to face the demons of the day.  Same issue, just more time has passed.  Better to fix it now.
   
   rlw

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