Teenage school refusal

**twotrunks** · 05-02-2012 19:30

Does anyone know what happens to 15 year olds who won't go to school? A family member (not my ds) doesn't want to go back to school this year. He is meant to be going to a new school, and is understandably anxious, but I believe it is compulsory to at else finish year 10, which he hasn't. Does anyone know? Are there still truancy punishments?
He is in Victoria btw.

**Nazgul** · 05-02-2012 19:39

Here:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/abou...nimumage.htm#1

I know they must complete Year 10, after that they can leave.
Not sure about what punishment there are but I'm sure that site will help.

**Nomsie** · 05-02-2012 20:35

Truancy officers were done away with long ago so there isn't really any consequence for not attending school these days (unless that school has taken measures in that dept). Example: last year we had a family who attended less than 50% of the year. Prin contacted the area big wig to tell him of his concern, all that happened was a letter got sent home to the family. For the whole year- one letter. They could be away for a month at a time and all they got was a letter.

Everyone else is iPhone-ing.... Why can't I?

**Pinkzy** · 05-02-2012 20:41

Originally Posted by twotrunks

Does anyone know what happens to 15 year olds who won't go to school? A family member (not my ds) doesn't want to go back to school this year. He is meant to be going to a new school, and is understandably anxious, but I believe it is compulsory to at else finish year 10, which he hasn't. Does anyone know? Are there still truancy punishments?
He is in Victoria btw.

I did this as a teen, was meant to be starting a new school (grade 10) and refused to go. I ended up going back to my old school and leaving shortly after my 15th birthday. Legalities in QLD are that you're free to leave once you're 15.

**FearlessLeader** · 05-02-2012 20:45

nothing at all, if it's the same as it was 10 years ago. My brother dropped out in yr 8. Was enrolled in an alternative school yrs 9 and 10 but there wasn't a single thing anyone could do to make him go.

**twotrunks** · 05-02-2012 21:23

Thanks everyone - a bit depressing though

If he was the type to go for an apprenticeship or something that would be ok but he's not. He will end up no where good if he drops out now.

**sweetseven** · 05-02-2012 21:29

I dont believe there is any punishment for the child, but the parents can be fined and/or have Centrelink payments withheld as punishment.

Note: The above is just my understanding and could be completely false.