Insights on Child Psychology: The Impact of School Refusal

School refusal affects 1-8% of students with research suggesting it can lead to severe negative outcomes. These include issues with academic achievement, missing important school-related developmental experiences, poor peer relationships and issues with employment. School refusal can also have large impacts on a family and the morning before school can become dreaded.

Research has shown that catching school refusal early is vital in successful treatment. The longer a child stays away from school the harder it is for them to successfully return. Early signs of issues with school refusal include complaints of stomache ache or headache in the morning before school, lateness, absences on particular days involving assessments or oral presentations, conflict with peers or teachers, academic difficulties and separation anxiety.

Treatment for school refusal often takes a CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) approach in which students develop an understanding of their anxiety related to refusal and learn skills to cope with their anxiety. School refusal can often be multifaceted and thus treatment also often involves working with the school, parents and family members to help a young person to return.