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

The movie, Ferris Buellers Day Off, is the epitome of adolescent rebellion and independence the benchmark of free-spirited insubordination that lies in the substance of all adolescentrs. 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. only essentially, it documents the day of a truant. A truant whose wild antics entertain, but a truant nonetheless. Like most things, Hollywoods characterization of adolescent hooky 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 continuing 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 neg ative 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. bully, family issues, financial difficulties, drug use, and lack of academic skills are only some of the voltage 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, information 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 humanity 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.htmlSteinberg, 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 gritty School Students . Dayton University of Dayton.