School Refusal: Understanding and Support Strategies

School refusal is when children regularly experience severe emotional distress about attending school. Understanding this complex issue helps families and schools work together to support affected students.

Understanding School Refusal

Different from truancy:

• Emotional distress vs defiance
• Parents aware vs hidden absence
• Anxiety-based vs avoidance
• Wants to succeed vs disengaged
• Often good students previously

Common Triggers

• Separation anxiety
• Social anxiety or bullying
• Academic pressure or failure fear
• Transitions or changes
• Family stress or trauma
• Learning difficulties

Warning Signs

• Morning complaints of illness
• Frequent requests to go home
• Tantrums about school
• Sleep problems Sunday nights
• Excessive worry about school
• Physical symptoms without medical cause

Support Strategies

• Maintain calm, supportive approach
• Work with school counselor
• Gradual return plans
• Address underlying anxieties
• Professional psychological support
• Consistent home-school communication

School Accommodations

Possible supports:

• Modified attendance schedules
• Safe spaces at school
• Reduced academic load temporarily
• Regular check-ins with trusted staff
• Peer buddy systems
• Alternative learning arrangements