Truancy: A Symptom of a Larger Problem Essay -- mental health, justic

The movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, is the epitome of adolescent rebellion and independence – the benchmark of free-spirited insubordination that lies in the heart of all teenagers. Sure, the movie depicts skipping school as nothing more than a harmless and fun pastime, something that is enjoyable due in large part to its riskiness. But essentially, it documents the day of a truant. A truant whose wild antics entertain, but a truant nonetheless. Like most things, Hollywood’s characterization of adolescent truancy is incorrect, not just in the sense that most kids will not be singing in parades whilst cutting class. It downplays the rather serious nature of chronic absences that permeates all levels of society. Adolescent rebellion and the need to distance away from authority figures and find ones’ own individuality is a normal part of growing up and the developmental process (Steinberg, 1987). However, problems arise when this distinctive need manifests itself in overtly negative activities. Whether it be experimenting with drugs and alcohol or skipping out on class, the undercurrent of teenage self-exploration is present. Going back to the point of truancy, this need, coupled with boredom and peer pressure, can increase the occurrence of absenteeism. Nevertheless, a number of other factors do play a significant role. Chronic absenteeism is often a symptom of larger problems than teen rebellion. Bullying, family issues, financial difficulties, drug use, and lack of academic skills are only some of the potential causes of truancy within the United States (Reid, 2012). And while schools across the country continue desperately to try and mitigate truancy, it seems to be on the rise; in 2012, data indicated that up to 15 percent... ...tiative. Crime & Delinquency, 214-234. National Institute of Mental Health . (2011). The Teen Brain: Still Under Construction . Besthesda : U.S. Department of Health and HUman Services . Prevention, O. o. (1996). Truancy: First Step to a Lifetime of Problems . Washington : U.S. Department of Justice . Reid, K. (2012). The causes, views and traits of school absenteeism and truancy: An analytical review. Research in Education, 59-82. Statistics, B. (2010). Bullying Statistics 2010. Retrieved from Bullying Statistics: http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-statistics-2010.html Steinberg, L. D. (1987). Family processes at adolescence: A developmental perspective. Family Therapy, 77-86. Zik, M. (2009). The Effects of Participation in Contingent Music Experiences on Truancy Rates of Junior High School Students . Dayton : University of Dayton.