What does the term 'habitually truant' refer to?

The term 'habitually truant' specifically refers to a school-aged child who has excessive absences from school without valid excuses. In many jurisdictions, this is often defined as a child who has missed a certain number of school days within a specific timeframe—in this case, more than eight days. This definition highlights a repeated pattern of absenteeism that raises concerns about a child's education and well-being.

Understanding this concept is important for identifying patterns of behavior that may necessitate intervention from educators, parents, or legal authorities. Recognizing habitual truancy allows for appropriate measures to be taken to support the child's educational needs and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to their absenteeism.