Causes of school refusal

There’s rarely a single cause of school refusal. It might be linked to separation anxiety, a phobia, depression, learning difficulties or social problems at school. It can happen at the same time as or after:

• stressful events at home, school or with peers

• family and peer conflict

• academic challenges – for example, learning difficulties

• starting or changing schools

• moving home

• bullying or teasing

• problems with a teacher.

By not going to school, the child might feel they can:

• avoid scary things – for example tests, teachers, the tuckshop

• avoid challenging situations with peers or teachers

• avoid separation anxiety

• get more attention from parents.

School refusal is different from truancy or ‘wagging’. Children who ‘wag’ usually aren’t interested in school, struggle with authority or behaviour issues such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Parents may not be aware that the child is not at school.

SCHOOL REFUSAL IS OFTEN VERY CHALLENGING for parents and school staff. Where a child is anxious about school, refusing to go eases the anxiety short-term, allowing the child to avoid an uncomfortable situation.

Avoiding school may increase the anxiety long-term. The child may fall behind with schoolwork and feel socially isolated. This can make it harder to return to school. For this reason, it is important to explore strategies to help the child return to school confidently.

For parents: When talking with your child

• Acknowledge your child’s anxiety so that he/she feels heard and understood. For example, ‘I can see you’re worried about going to school. I know it’s hard. Remember, your teacher and I want to help you.’

• Let your child know that you understand it’s hard for him/her to go to school when feeling worried or frightened. For example, ‘I understand you feel worried about going to school.’

• Talk about what does happen to help your child attend and feel safe at school – not about whether he/she goes to school.