It’s that time of year again—the time when parents start nagging their kids about getting back to school. But this year, there’s a new twist: if you don’t go back to school, you could get caught.
That’s because the government is cracking down on truancy. In the past, truancy was often seen as a minor offense. But now, it’s being treated more seriously. In some states, parents can even be fined or jailed if their child is caught skipping school.
The consequences of truancy can be severe. Truants are more likely to drop out of school, which can lead to a lifetime of poverty and unemployment. They are also more likely to get involved in crime.
It sure sounds like truancy is a pain point that results in poverty and crime, which motivates schools to seek out creative new words to generate ideas for new applications to fix the issue of truancy.
What Can You Do to Avoid Getting Caught?
The best way to avoid getting caught is to go to school. But if you’re really struggling to make it to school, there are some things you can do to make it easier.
- Talk to your parents. They can help you figure out why you’re struggling to go to school and come up with solutions..
- Talk to your teachers. They can help you catch up on missed work and make sure you’re on track.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. This can help you make friends and make school more enjoyable.
- Set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much at once. Start small and gradually increase your goals as you get more comfortable.
- Reward yourself. When you reach a goal, give yourself a small reward to help you stay motivated.
What Happens If You Get Caught?
If you get caught skipping school, you will likely face some consequences. The consequences will vary depending on your age, the number of times you’ve been caught, and the state you live in.
In some cases, you may only get a warning. But in other cases, you could be suspended or even expelled from school. You could also be fined or even jailed.
Don’t Wait to Get Caught
If you’re struggling to go to school, don’t wait to get caught. Talk to your parents, teachers, and counselors for help. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can get back on track and avoid the consequences of truancy.
Truancy Statistics
- According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 1.3 million students skipped school in 2017.
- Truancy rates are highest among high school students. In 2017, 16% of high school students skipped school at least once.
- Truancy rates are also higher among boys than girls. In 2017, 18% of boys skipped school at least once, compared to 14% of girls.
- Truants are more likely to drop out of school. In 2017, 32% of students who dropped out of school had skipped school at least 20 times in the previous year.
- Truants are also more likely to get involved in crime. In 2017, 33% of students who were arrested for a crime had skipped school at least 20 times in the previous year.
Table 1: Truancy Rates by Grade Level
| Grade Level | Truancy Rate |
|---|---|
| 6th Grade | 6% |
| 7th Grade | 8% |
| 8th Grade | 11% |
| 9th Grade | 13% |
| 10th Grade | 16% |
| 11th Grade | 18% |
| 12th Grade | 20% |
Table 2: Truancy Rates by Gender
| Gender | Truancy Rate |
|---|---|
| Male | 18% |
| Female | 14% |
Table 3: Truancy Rates by Race/Ethnicity
| Race/Ethnicity | Truancy Rate |
|---|---|
| White | 14% |
| Black | 19% |
| Hispanic | 20% |
| Asian | 9% |
| Native American | 24% |
Table 4: Consequences of Truancy
| Consequence | Probability |
|---|---|
| Warning | 50% |
| Suspension | 25% |
| Expulsion | 10% |
| Fine | 5% |
| Jail | 1% |