Emotionally based school avoidance/non attendance

As a child psychologist we often work with children and young people struggling in school with anxiety. Emotionally-based school avoidance is a significant challenge that affects many children and young people. It is characterised by fear and anxiety about attending school due to emotional or psychological distress. This can include anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. There are many factors to consider as to why emotionally-based school occurs including peer related difficulties, lack of connection to the school community, social isolation, academic stress, and traumatic experiences. However, it's important to note that everyone's experience with school avoidance is unique, and there may be many different factors at play. Symptoms of emotionally-based school avoidance can include:

• Physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches, which may be used as an excuse to stay home from school

• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares

• Refusal to talk about or discuss school-related topics

• Difficulty concentrating or completing homework

• Increased irritability or moodiness

It's important to note that school avoidance is not the same as truancy. Truancy is an unexcused absence from school, while school avoidance is caused by emotional distress. It's important to identify and address emotionally-based school avoidance as soon as possible, as it can lead to long-term academic and social consequences. Some ways to address this issue include:

• Encouraging open communication at home and in school with a trusted adult or therapist

• Providing support and resources for managing stress and anxiety

• Creating a safe and inclusive school environment that promotes positive mental health

• Connecting with other parents and caregivers to share resources and advice

It's also important to remember that healing takes time and patience. Recovery from emotionally-based school avoidance may require a combination of therapy and support from friends and family.

In conclusion, emotionally-based school avoidance is a significant factor that can have a longstanding impact on a student's academic and social well-being. It's important to address this issue as soon as possible by providing support and resources for managing stress and anxiety, creating a safe and inclusive school environment and encouraging open communication with trusted adults.