Truancy is intentional, unjustified, unauthorized, or illegal absence from compulsory education. Its absence is caused by students of their own free will and does not apply to excused absences. In England and Wales truancy is a criminal offence. Parents of students who are persistently truant may be imprisoned for up to 3 months.
41% Yes |
59% No |
41% Yes |
59% No |
See how support for each position on “School Truancy” has changed over time for 57.7k UK voters.
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See how importance of “School Truancy” has changed over time for 57.7k UK voters.
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Unique answers from UK users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@92VQH2Q2yrs2Y
Yes, however if there is a legitimate reason; ie Physical/Mental illnesses, then no action should be taken by the government.
@9L2X73L1mo1MO
There are various reasons as to why children truant from school; whether it is bullying, health issues, struggling with schoolwork, more help and resources should be provided to look into why children truant.
@9LPL9DN4 days4D
If the offence is committed, the student should be given the right to not attend, however, if the offence directly links to their grades being unsatisfying or under the average, the student should be forewarned about this, if the behaviour doesn't change, the student should be forced to re-do the year entirely
@9LP76565 days5D
Yes, but there should be a support system established for parents who are struggling to get their child to engage in education, and for those who do not understand the importance of education.
@9LMW7N47 days7D
I fail to see how imprisoning the parent of a persistently truanting child is likely to improve that child's life chances - this does not seem a matter worthy of imprisonment but more something that should be managed between social workers, schools, parents, and other professionals if required
@9L6K35R4wks4W
Depending on the students grades. If an intelligent student who wouldn’t suffer from missing a few school days should be allowed. If however a student is not doing successful then stricter rules should apply to their attendance, however this would also include an inquiry as to why they are struggling with their education, such as undiagnosed learning difficulty conditions and behavioural issues. Having an awareness of obstacles that could impact a child’s learning.
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