Understanding Learners' Perceptions of Chaotic Family aspects affecting School Truancy and Non-School Attendance: A South African Perspective

This study explores truants' perceptions of their parents' attitudes towards and involvement in their education and how this impact on their school attendance and attainment. A thorough study of the latest research and available literature on school truancy revealed that parental disengagement is becoming one of the major causes of all types of challenging behavioural problems adolescents present with, including truant behaviour. A total of three hundred eighth grade learners participated in an anonymous survey which measured adolescent's perceptions of their parents' interest and involvement in their education. The research findings suggest that the respondents, particularly those who featured as classical truants, perceived their parents/ caregivers to display an unfavourable attitude towards their schooling. Presenting the findings, the author argues that truancy appears to be a complex social issue and that poor parenting is itself likely to be a cause of several behavioural problems including truancy among children. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that Education and Social Services take account of the findings of findings from parental involvement research if they are serious about improving both children's' school attendance and attainment.